Effect of cold storage on the biological fitness of Encarsia sophia (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a parasitoid of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is an important bio-control agent of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Storage at low temperature is a valuable method used in the mass rearing of biological control agents to ensure the availability of sufficient parasitoids when needed. However, storing parasitoids at a low temperature may lead to a decrease in their fitness. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different durations of constant low temperature storage on the fitness traits of the above parasitoid. The results indicate that there is a decrease in percentage emergence, longevity and ability to parasitize the longer and lower the temperature at which the pupae of E. sophia are stored. Although the information on the effect of cold storage on E. sophia is very limited, the results of this study indicate that for more efficient biological control there is an urgent need to improve the method of storing pupae.