ABSTRACT
Characterization eggs parasitised by Uscana senex (Hymenoptera:Trichogrammatidae)

Danielle Rojas-Rousse1, Marcos Gerding P.2 y María C. Céspedes L.2
 

Uscana senex (Grese) is a parasitic species on eggs of Bruchus pisorum. Little is known about the biology of this parasitoid, information extremely important for its use as biocontrol. To massively reproduce this insect, under laboratory conditions, eggs of Achantoscelides obtectus are used as alternative host. Exposing the infected eggs to three temperatures (15, 20 and 29 degrees C), during the period of development of the parasitoid, it was possible to relate the color of the eggs of the host species with the internal stages of Uscana senex (Grese). It was also possible to determine the duration of the parasitoid development as related to the incubation temperature.

Keywords: biological control, diapause, Uscana senex, Bruchus pisorum, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Trichogrammatidae.
1 Institut de Biocenotique Experimentale des AgroSyslemes, Av. Monge 37200 Tours, Francia.
2 Centro Regional de Investigación Quilamapu (INlA), Casilla 426, Chillán, Chile.