Abstract
The parasitoid wasp Eretmocerus mundus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is used commercially to control the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Recently, a rapid deterioration of E. mundus populations has been documented under mass-rearing conditions. We found that deteriorating cultures consist of increasing proportions of sterile individuals, up to 90% within 6 months. Microscopic examination revealed that the gonads of wasps from both sexes are severely underdeveloped. Preliminary screening for potential pathogen candidates by means of polymerase chain reaction and denaturating-gradient gel electrophoresis did not provide any indication of possible causative agents.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 61-66 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Biocontrol Science and Technology |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 2 Zero Hunger
Keywords
- Bemisia tabaci
- biological control
- gonad
- pathogen
- symbiont
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Insect Science
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