Preference study of Trichogramma pintoi (Voegele) (Hymenoptera:Trichogrammatidae) on host eggs of different ages and species

Eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), Cadra cautella (Walker) and Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) are host parasitoid Trichogramma pintoi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) which is used in biological control pests. In this study, the species egg age preferences were determined parasitization performance adult female T. pinto. For preference, 1, 2, 3 4 days old eggs from three different hosts given to kept controlled conditions until they hatched then counted. Adult also stored at 4±1 °C up days. It was that fecundity life span parasitoids decreased as storage period increased. found prefer 1 day all hosts. Parasitoid preferred 3, similar rates. E. C. most host, followed by P. interpunctella. females for surviving individuals. The highest rate day. Host species, preference time thought be very important mass production release studies pintoi.