International Journal of Biology Research

Authors
Deepak Singh, Isaac L Mathew, Shilpi Smita Singh

Abstract
Temperature is the most significant ecological factor that limits and regulates the biological activity in arthropods. The efficacy of parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor, as biological control agent, was assessed for temperature dependence of Parasitization and Oviposition on Corcyra cephalonica. Although, both parasitoids and predators represent interacting communities with closely linked life histories, their temperature responses were varied. The suitable temperature range for parasitization and oviposition by the parasitoid was found to be from 20 to 35°C. Parasitization ceased at cooler temperatures of 15°C. Parasitization occurred at 40°C with no oviposition, however, they died of thermal stress. 45°C was fully lethal for them. Lower temperatures tend to make insects sluggish with delayed response, while high temperatures quickly became lethal. Temperature, as an ecofactor, strongly influences and may even override the interactions between parasitoids and their hosts. For a successful pest control strategy, the importance of this abiotic factor should be always considered.