Project Number: 1926-22000-013-02
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Oct 01, 2000
End Date: Sep 30, 2002

Objective:
To study sex determination in four species of parasitic Hymenoptera in the family Braconidae: APHIDIUS COLEMANI, OPIUS PALLIPES, HETEROSPILUS PROSOPIDIS, and PERISTENUS STYGICUS. Test whether inbreeding and complementary sex determination (CSD) causes male-biased sex ratios in these species. Develop strategies for avoiding male-biased sex ratios.

Approach:
For each species, determine whether inbreeding causes a shift towards malebiased sex ratios and increased mortality. For species where inbreeding causes a shift towards male-biased sex ratios, we will determine whether CSD produces diploid males. If we do not find diploid males, but developmental mortality patterns suggest CSD, we will test whether inbreeding depression in females could explain the observed bias. For species where we find evidence for CSD, we will explore the potential effects on introductions and laboratory rearing. We will map the distribution of CSD on the phylogeny of braconids.

Project Team

Hopper, Keith Fuester, Roger

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)