Influence of host age and learning on chemotactic behavior and parasitism of Trichogramma pretiosum

Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 reared on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, 1879 eggs, have been used in biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797). However, host age and experience just after emergence might have some influence on parasitism and parasitoid behavior. This study evaluated the influence of S. frugiperda host age and egg odor experience, on chemotactic behavior and parasitism of T. pretiosum. Spodoptera frugiperda eggs with 24, 48 and 72 hours were exposed to T. pretiosum females. Parasitoid time experience, in the same host, was evaluated within 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 24 hours, as well as, its host exposed time (1, 2, 3 and 24 hours). Chemotactic responses of T. pretiosum (experienced and inexperienced females) to S. frugiperda egg extracts were recorded in Y-tube olfactometer. We also observe parasitism rates (choice tests) in insects with and without experience. The parasitism average was higher in S. frugiperda eggs with 24 hours. Inexperienced females and those experienced for 1, 3 and 4 hours, parasitized less S. frugiperda eggs compared to those for 5, 6 and 24 hours. There was no difference in parasitism from females exposed for 2, 3 and 24 hours when compared to those exposed for one hour. Experienced females were more attracted to S. frugiperda eggs odor than to control (hexano). Parasitism percentage, by inexperienced parasitoids, was greater in E. kuehniella eggs (original host) than in S. frugiperda, however it was not observed in experienced females.