Longevity and Fecundity of Edovum puttleri Grissell, with Notes on Its Effectiveness as a Biocontrol Agent in Tennessee

In the laboratory, fecundity and longevity of Edovum puttleri Grissell (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were determined. Longevity was tested at two temperatures and with three different diets. The tested groups were mated females, virgin females, and males. Mean longevity was 17.9 ± 2.2 days, and parasite survival rate was highest under a combination of 24±1^oC and 50% water: 50% honey diet. Mean fecundity for each female was 1.9±0.2 eggs/24 hr and 40.8±4.8 eggs in 21 days. In the summer of 1986, field releases were made in Knoxville and Crossville to determine the effectiveness of the parasite as a biocontrol agent. Counts of Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say), Colorado potato beetle (CPB) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), percent parasitized eggs and potato yields were the factors used to determine the effectiveness of the field treatments. At the rate of 12 female parasites/1 female CPB, there was no significant difference between the mass release treatment and the control. The parasite did not suppress the population of the CPB, while applying Ambush 112.5 g ai/ ha as a chemical treatment was effective.