Abstract: Method for contrast of parasitized and unparasitized was used to clarify and evaluate value in use of Microplitis tuberculifer.Effects of parasitism by Microplitis tuberculifer on food consumption and development of Spodoptera exigua larvae were studied. The results showed that the extremely significant difference existed in the food consumption of the parasitized larvae and unparasitized larvae by M.tuberculifer, the food consumption of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of parasitized larvae was lower by 75.01%, 65.64% and 57.45% than that of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of unparasitized larvae. The siginificant difference exsits in the food consumption of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of parasitized larvae. The food consumption of the 2nd and 3rd instars of parasitized larvae was extremely-significantly higher than that of the first instar larvae. Significant difference was found in development duration of the 3rd instar of parasitized larvae and unparasitized larvae. Siginificant difference exsited between development duration of the 2nd and 3rd instars of parasitized larvae and that of the first instar of parasitized larvae. The food consumption and the weight of parasitized larvae slowly increased as the duration of development was longer. The food consumption and the weight of larvae slowly decreased 6 and 7 days after being parasitized. The parasitized larvae did not pupate. This parasitoid could control effectively current generation harm and population of S.exigua.

Key words: Microplitis tuberculifer, Spodoptera exigu, Parasitism, Food consumption, Development duration

CLC Number: 

• S636.2