Effects of flowers on parasitoid longevity and fecundity

Abstract

Conservation biological control (CBC) enhances biological control efficacy by providing pollen nectar shelter and/or alternative prey to biological control agents It is a fastgrowing subdiscipline of biological control with notable recent successes In contrast classical biological control in spite of its long history has not risen above a 10 success rate since 1880 and can have muchpublicised negative consequences This paper presents recent data on CBC research in brassicas in New Zealand and discusses how understanding and effectiveness can be improved The provision of floral nectar to parasitoids such as Diadegma can enhance longevity from two days in the presence of water only to 30 days and can lead to higher fecundity The paper outlines key research questions for the future