فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Using of biological control agents, especially parasitoids, within the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs is increasingly expanding. Several factors can influence the effectiveness of parasitoids, the most important of which is the type and availability of suitable host. In this study, the impact of two host species Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on the energy budget and biological performance of Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was investigated. The results revealed that the levels of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and glycogen in various life stages of the parasitoid differed significantly depending on the host species. Parasitoids reared on E. kuehniella exhibited higher protein and lipid content, faster development, and a longer lifespan. In contrast, those reared on P. interpunctella showed higher carbohydrate and glycogen levels. Host species also had a significant effect on the biological parameters of the parasitoid. Specifically, intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R₀), gross reproductive rate (GRR), finite rate of increase (λ), and fecundity were all higher in parasitoids reared on E. kuehniella, indicating greater reproductive potential. Additionally, the pre-adult developmental period, including the larval and pupal stages, was longer in parasitoids fed on P. interpunctella. Based on these findings, E. kuehniella was identified as a more suitable host for H. hebetor, as it enhanced reproductive performance, reduced generation time, and increased the population growth rate. These results suggest that E. kuehniella is an appropriate host for the mass rearing of H. hebetor in biological control programs targeting stored-product pests.