Use of nectar resources by Asocgaster quadridentata WESMAEL (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), an important egg-larval parasitoid of the codling moth: first evidence from laboratory studies

Functional biodiversity on different trophic levels can provide essential pest control in agroecosystems. Codling moth as a key pest in apple is the target host of several parasitoid species whose efficacy may depend from a diverse environment. For instance, plant-derived food (nectar, pollen) from flowering plants could be crucial for their survival and successful reproduction. In a first attempt, the effect of providing sugar resources and nectar providing plants on survival of males and females of the codling moth parasitod Ascogaster quadridentata Wesmael was estimated in laboratory studies. Plants were selected by their multifunctional qualities as nectar providers for pollinators and beneficials and as cover crop. Both sexes of A. quadridentata increased their survival considerably by access to different sugar sources. From the offered plants, however, only buckwheat could feed A. quadridentata successfully. Results will be used to design first field experiments in this ongoing study.