Inter and Intra specific competition among parasitoids of Bitter Gourd Gall Midge

Gall midge became emerging problem in bitter gourd. Two parasitoid species were collected from immature stages of gall midges and were investigated how the parasitoid Aprostocetus diplosidis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attacking galls of Lasioptera spp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae) behaves in the presence of a conspecific and heterospecific female competitor in the patch. Presence of a competitor greatly changed resident exploitation behavior. Time spent on each behaviour by every individual and their agonistic behaviour recorded for the identification of potential parasitoid for the management of gall midge in bitter gourd. Behaviour categories were further grouped in two different groups: patch exploitation (walk-antennate and probe) and host plant exploitation (walking, stationary and groom). No agonistic behaviour was noticed throughout the experiment. Hence, both the species of parasitoids can be used for the management of the pest.