EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FOOD ON ADULT LONGEVITY OF COTESIA SESAMAE (CAMERON), A PARASITOID OF SUGARCANE BORER, SESAMIA INFERENS (WALKER)

Nutrition plays an important role in rearing and colonization of biocontrol agents of pests. Cotesia sesamae Cameron (Braconidae : Hymenoptera) is an important biocontrol agent (parasitoid) of sugarcane stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker). Adult longevity of C. sesamae have been studied with respect to different food at laboratory condition (25 + 1"C, 55 - 60% R.H., 12 hr photoperiod). Out of the following food provided, glucose D 50%, sucrose 50%, honey 50% & 100%, citrus fruit juice, tomato fruit juice and apple fruit juice, 100% honey increased maximum, 13 days survival in adults but, other food materials were comparatively less effective in increasing the adult longevity in wasps.