LAUSR

Weed floral resources are often overlooked in biological control manipulations, yet common species in this group can contribute to enhanced biological control efficacy. Weed floral resources may not be examined as frequently as certain insectary species (buckwheat). Furthermore, they may require less maintenance and are adapted to grow in the planted area. Here, we investigated the effects of weed and other non-crop floral resources on Eretmocerus mundus, a parasitoid of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in the laboratory. The two common weeds evaluated were shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) and white rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides). These were compared with buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and alyssum (Lobularia maritima). Adults of the above parasitoid were exposed to flowers of the selected plants and survived six times longer with buckwheat than those in the control (water only) and 2.8, 3.1 and four times longer with shepherd’s purse, rocket and alyssum, respectively. All plant species significantly increased parasitoid longevity, egg load and fecundity compared to the control. Buckwheat had the greatest effect on these parameters. Parasitism rate of the pest increased by up to 72.1%. This work illustrates that the selected non-buckwheat species could have value where buckwheat germination rate and phenology may be limiting such as in arid climates, for which this work was targeted.