Project Directorate of Biological Control, H.A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bellary Road, P.B. No. 2491, Bangalore-560 024, Karnataka, (India).
The effect of various periods of cold storage on 24 and 48-h old cocoons on Goniozus nephantidis Muesebeck was studied on adult emergence, fecundity and longevity. Storage of 48 h old cocoon at 15°C for 10 days resulted in maximum adult emergence (90%). fecundity (84 eggs/female) and longevity (57 days/female). These parameters were comparable with those cocoons kept at ambient temperature (26 ± 1°C). Adult emergence and fecundity were positively correlated with temperature regimes. Adult emergence, fecundity and longevity were negatively correlated with storage periods, at different temperature regimes, viz. 5, 10 and 15°C.
