Effect of host diet on the development of larval parasitoid Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez & Bertha (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Development, progeny production, and female emergence of larval parasitoid Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez & Bertha (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were assessed in Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae fed on Opuntia pads versus artificial diet.  The artificial diet, composed of ground white kidney beans, sugar, and yeast, was covered with wax to prevent early desiccation.  Experiments were conducted at 23-24°C and 50-60% RH at the FDACS-DPI quarantine laboratory (Gainesville, FL).  Apanteles parasitoids reared on larvae fed Opuntia pads had a shorter immature period than those fed artificial diet.  Pupal stage did not show a statistical difference in development time.  However, total development period was longer for parasitoids reared on larvae fed Opuntia diet than those maintained on the other diet.  The number of pupae per infested larvae was significantly higher for parasitoids reared on larvae fed on artificial diet.  Mortality of adult parasitoids was similar on both diets.  Results suggested that the use of artificial diet to rear hosts would improve efficiency for the mass rearing of A. opuntiarum.