Effects of different concentrations of tobacco leaf volatiles on Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) populations

Abstract

Plant volatiles have substantial effects on other organisms, especially insects. Here, we studied the effects of different concentrations of tobacco leaf volatiles on the life table parameters of Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and paralysis rate of the F₀ and F₁ generation of H. hebetor under indoor conditions using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The total fecundity of the F₀ generation of H. hebetor was significantly lower in the high-concentration group of tobacco leaf volatiles (1500 g tobacco leaf treatment) than in the control group. The pupal and pre-adult survival rates, total male and female longevity, age of 50% survival, oviposition days, TPOP, and C₀ of the F₁ generation of H. hebetor were significantly higher in the 500 g tobacco leaf treatment than in the CK; the pre-adult survival rate, total male and female longevity, age of 50% survival, TPOP, and C₀ significantly decreased as the concentration of tobacco leaf volatiles increased. These findings will aid the development of strategies to enhance the capability of natural enemies to control the growth of pest populations.