Flowering plant effects on adults of the stink bug parasitoid Aridelus rufotestaceus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Many parasitoids require food resources, such as nectar and pollen, besides hosts in order to optimize their life histories This has led to interest in using these resources in pest management. Here, we assess the potential effects of two floral plants, Fagopyrum esculentum and Gaillardia pulchella and 5% honey solution, and water (control) on the longevity and fecundity of Aridelus rufotestaceus, an important parasitoid of Nezara viridula. Gaillardia pulchella and 5% honey solution significantly increased A. rufotestaceus fecundity compared to water (F = 3.91, df = 3, P = 0.017), with G. pulchella exhibiting the highest fecundity of 138 ± 12 eggs, and 5% honey solution, F. esculentum, and water (134 ± 24, 123 ± 18, and 109 ± 10 eggs, respectively). Gaillardia pulchella, F. esculentum, and 5% honey solution significantly increased longevity of A. rufotestaceus relative to water (F = 11.10, df = 3, P < 0.0001), with G. pulchella yielding the highest longevity (11 ± 5 d), followed by 5% honey solution, F. esculentum, and water (10 ± 4, 9 ± 5, and 4 ± 2 d, respectively). These results imply that F. esculentum and G. pulchella can benefit A. rufotestaceus for N. viridula management.