Parasitism potential of Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera : Ichneumonidae) against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Studies were conducted on nutritional requirement and host age, specificity and density that play a vital role in mass rearing of the parasitoid Campoletis chlorideae Uchida a solitary larval parasitoid of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), a notorious and polyphagus pest of pulses and vegetables in India. Results indicated that C. chlorideae fed with 50% honey solution was best suited for maximum longevity of adults. H. armigera was the most suitable host and exposure of 3-6 day old caterpillars at a density of 20 gave maximum progeny production that can be effectively utilized in mass rearing programmes for field release.