New Records of Figitidae (Hymenoptera) Parasitoids Attacking Leafhopper Pests in Vineyard Agroecosystems

Abstract

Field surveys conducted in vineyard agroecosystems revealed the occurrence of previously unreported figitid parasitoids associated with economically important leafhopper pests infesting grapevine plantations. Sampling was carried out across multiple vineyard locations during different cropping seasons using sweep nets, yellow sticky traps, and direct collection of parasitized hosts. Collected parasitoids were reared under laboratory conditions and examined using morphological and molecular approaches for accurate taxonomic identification. Diagnostic characters including antennal segmentation, wing venation, mesosoma sculpture, and metasomal morphology confirmed the presence of several species belonging to the family Figitidae that had not previously been recorded from vineyard ecosystems in the studied region. Molecular characterization based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences further supported species delimitation and phylogenetic placement within recognized figitid lineages. Parasitism was primarily observed on nymphal stages of dominant leafhopper pests, including vectors associated with grapevine decline and reduced fruit quality. Seasonal abundance data indicated higher parasitoid activity during periods of moderate temperature and elevated host density, suggesting strong ecological synchronization between parasitoids and their hosts. Natural parasitism levels varied among vineyards but demonstrated the potential contribution of these hymenopteran parasitoids to biological suppression of leafhopper populations. The discovery of new figitid-host associations expands current knowledge regarding parasitoid diversity in viticultural systems and highlights the ecological importance of indigenous natural enemies in sustainable pest management programs. Conservation of parasitoid habitats through reduced insecticide application and maintenance of vineyard biodiversity may enhance their effectiveness in regulating pest outbreaks.