Biology and Fecundity of Eretmocerus mundus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on Bemisia tabaci on Tomato

Abstract

Biology and fecundity of Eretmocerus mundus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were investigated on Bemisia tabaci infesting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to evaluate its potential as an effective biological control agent under controlled laboratory conditions. Developmental duration, survival rates, adult longevity, and reproductive output were recorded across different life stages of the parasitoid when reared on whitefly nymphs. Results indicated successful development from egg to adult with high immature survival, demonstrating strong host suitability of B. tabaci for parasitoid propagation. Female parasitoids exhibited significantly higher longevity and fecundity compared to males, contributing to sustained parasitization potential over the adult lifespan. Fecundity increased during early adult stages and gradually declined with age, indicating an age-dependent reproductive pattern. Parasitism efficiency was positively influenced by host density up to an optimal threshold, beyond which competition and host depletion reduced oviposition success. The parasitoid demonstrated strong host-searching ability and effective suppression of whitefly nymphs, particularly under moderate temperature and humidity conditions typical of protected tomato cultivation systems. Life table analysis revealed favorable demographic parameters, including positive intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate, supporting population establishment potential in field conditions. Continuous host availability enhanced parasitoid performance, indicating suitability for augmentative mass-rearing programs. The study highlights the high biological control potential of E. mundus against B. tabaci in tomato ecosystems and supports its integration into pest management strategies.