Effect of parasitism by <i>Aphidius eadyi</i> (Hymenoptera Aphidiidae) on reproduction of pea aphid <i>Acyrthosiphon pisum</i> (Hemiptera Aphididae)

Abstract

The effect of parasitism by Aphidius eadyi Stary González and Hall on reproduction of pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) was studied in the laboratory Aphids attacked as 1st and 2nd instars became mummies in the 4th instar; parasitised 3rd instar nymphs became mummies in the adult stage without producing any progeny Parasitised 4th instar nymphs and adults produced progeny but had a shorter reproductive period and produced fewer (Plt;00001) progeny than unparasitised aphids Parasitised 4th instar nymphs and adults had significantly lower intrinsic rates of increase (r_m) net reproductive rates (R₀) shorter generation time (T) and longer doubling time (DT) than unparasitised aphids The potential impact of the parasitoid on host population growth is discussed