The effect of mating behaviour on progeny sex ratio of Mastrus ridens (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a biological control agent of codling moth

• Published in: Biocontrol science and technology Vol. 21; no. 4; pp. 485 - 496
• Main Authors: Sandanayaka, W.R.M., Chhagan, A., Page-Weir, N.E.M., de Silva, H.N., Charles, J.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-04-2011
• Subjects: biological control; codling moth; Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae; laboratory rearing; Mastrus ridens
• ISSN: 0958-3157; 1360-0478
• DOI: 10.1080/09583157.2011.552103

Mastrus ridens (Horstmann) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was imported into quarantine as a potential biocontrol agent for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Mating behaviour of the parasitoid and its effect on progeny sex ratio (as a proportion of males) were studied to help sustain the laboratory culture. Both females and males were reproductively active soon after emergence. Unmated females produced only male progeny, confirming males developed from unfertilized eggs. The proportion of males in a progeny was independent of the copulation period (24-40 s) of the parents. The progeny sex ratios from three parent ratios (f:m 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) were not significantly different. Females effectively mated only once but males mated frequently in their lifetime. The progeny sex ratios from single females with a known single mating and possible multiple matings (through exposure to two males for 18 days) were not significantly different. However, when males copulated with five virgin females in sequence over a 2 h period, the fifth female produced more males than the preceding four, presumably due to sperm depletion. Results of this study provide data on progeny sex allocation of M. ridens that help to prevent the development of a male-biased sex ratio that could threaten the maintenance of the culture over time.