The role of chemical cues in the host finding behaviour of Trissolcus basalis from a Conservation Biological Control perspective

Abstract

In assessing successful biological control programs by parasitoids, the knowledge of important traits, such as the host finding capability, i.e. the ability to find host and food resources, play the key role. Moreover, parasitoids in their natural environment parasitoids deal with a variable mixtures of natural cues. Some chemical cues are used by the wasps to locate their hosts, some ones drive wasps to feeding resources. The parasitoid response to these cues can fluctuate according to biotic factors and abiotic condition. This dissertation focus in details on the role of two important tools, such as selective flowering plants as food resources to add within a crop area and the traces left behind by the hosts while moving on the plant used by parasitoids to locate their host. These tools are important in order to increase the natural enemy effectiveness and thus develop successful programmes of Conservation Biological Control