Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Feminisation due to Wolbachia in Cotesia vestalis (Haliday), a parasitoid of the Diamond back moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)

K. SRINIVASA MURTHY, S.L.RAMYA, T. VENKATESAN, S. K. JALALI & JENCY JOSE

The endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia, associated with a number of hymenopteran parasitoids are known to play role in the metabolism, physiology and reproduction of their hosts. The impact on female progeny due to Wolbachia infection in the braconid Cotesia vestalis was investigated in the different geographic populations of the parasitoid. The populations cured of Wolbachia recorded a reduction in male progeny compared to those infected. The sex ratio skewed towards males in the Wolbachia eliminated populations, altered towards higher females, when there was infection. There was 36.6% increase in female progeny over the males. The exploitation of Wolbachia for the biological manipulations of the parasitoid for effective pest management is discussed.

Published Date: 2013-06-26;