Effect on Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) when rearing host fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on meridic diet containing foliage from resistant or susceptible corn genotypes

Larval weights for fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), were not significantly affected at two constant temperature regimes (24 and 27 degrees C) when larvae parasitized by Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson) were reared on resistant versus susceptible corn genotypes. Results indicated that the third trophic level was not adversely affected by fall armyworm feeding on pinto bean diet containing resistant versus susceptible corn genotypes. Developmental times for C. marginiventris were shorter when the parasitoids were maintained at the higher temperature. Time from egg to cocoon formation at 24 degrees C was significantly less when hosts were fed diet containing foliage from the susceptible genotype 'Cacahuacintle X'. Parasitoid longevity was increased at the higher temperature regime and was not affected by the corn genotype.