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Life history traits and host-killing rate of Neochrysocharis formosa on Tuta absoluta

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A Correction to this article was published on 09 November 2020

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Abstract

To improve the biological control of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), we studied the life history traits and host-killing rate of Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on T. absoluta at 25 ± 0.5 °C, 70 ± 5% RH and a L:D 14:10 photoperiod. The parasitoid was able to parasitize and host feed on the first, second and third instar host larvae with preference to the second instar. Life history traits and host-killing parameters were highest on the second instar host larvae compared to the first or third instar. The host-killing rate of the parasitoid was much higher than the intrinsic rate of increase. N. formosa appeared to be a potential biocontrol agent of T. absoluta and would supplement its biological control in tomato involving other biocontrol agents like Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) and Necremnus spp.

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  • 09 November 2020

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India for providing financial support to the study. Authors also acknowledge the efforts of Dr Neeraj, professor of English, for checking the manuscript for English language.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP, 173 230, India

    P. Guleria, P. L. Sharma, S. C. Verma & R. S. Chandel

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  1. P. Guleria
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  2. P. L. Sharma
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  3. S. C. Verma
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  4. R. S. Chandel
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Correspondence to P. L. Sharma.

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Guleria, P., Sharma, P.L., Verma, S.C. et al. Life history traits and host-killing rate of Neochrysocharis formosa on Tuta absoluta. BioControl 65, 401–411 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-020-10016-z

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