Biological and physiological response of a tropical parasitoid, Tetrastichus brontispae (Ferriere) following exposure to low temperature

Tetrastichus brontispae Ferrière (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an important natural enemy of the coconut leaf beetle Brontispa longissima (Gestro), a serious invasive pest on palm plants. Exposure to low temperature (2 °C) for 4, 24 and 48 h had an adverse effect on biological performance (survival, parasitism rate) of T. brontispae with immature parasitoids (eggs, larvae, and pupae) being more sensitive to low temperature than adults. Exposure to 2 °C for 24 h reduced the water content and increased the concentration of glycerol and trehalose, and activity of superoxidae in T. brontispae adults. Analysis of suppression subtractive hybridization indicated the integrative controlling and transcriptome regulation of the networks in the cold stress response of T. brontispae. Our study suggests that the allocation of energy reserves to either prevent or repair cold-induced damage may consume resources that could otherwise be invested in reproduction and consequently its ability to exert control on B. longissima.