Effects of root inoculation of entomopathogenic fungi on olfactory-mediated behavior and life history traits of the parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Our data suggest that root inoculation of C. annuum with A. muscarius ARSEF 5128 alters the olfactory-mediated behavior of parasitoids, but has little effect on parasitism efficiency or life history parameters. However, increased attraction of parasitoids towards M. persicae-infested plants when inoculated by entomopathogenic fungi can accelerate host localization and hence improve biocontrol efficacy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.