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Data from: Host plant water deficit stress impairs reproduction and development of the galling fly (Parafreutreta regalis), a biological control agent of Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata)

Adult galling fly (Parafreutreta regalis)

Data from choice and no-choice tests associated with the paper cited below. Drought leading to water deficit stress is known to reduce performance of galling insects. The shoot tip-galling fly Parafreutreta regalis has been released for biological control of Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata) in California. Lack of moisture during the dry season causes wilting of Cape-ivy shoots, and subsequent reduced host quantity and quality could influence the fly’s ability to multiply and establish. We imposed water deficit stress on potted Cape-ivy plants, then measured the plant’s and insect’s response to water deficit compared to fully-watered plants. Water deficit stress was imposed during female oviposition (short-term), gall development (long-term), or full insect life cycle (long-term). Plants subjected to long-term water deficit showed declines in shoot growth, leaf area, and total biomass. In choice tests, 72% fewer galls were found on water deficit stressed plants, but there was no difference in the numbers of insects per gall. In no-choice tests, long-term water deficit reduced the number and size of galls by up to 51% and 39%, respectively, and puparia inside the galls were up to 35% smaller. Long-term water deficit also increased the time required for the insect to complete its life cycle (egg to adult) by about 10 days, and up to 80% fewer adults emerged, decreasing the fly’s rate of increase by up to five-fold. Our study shows that P. regalis will oviposit and develop successfully on water deficit-stressed plants, but declines in female preference, insect development and abundance could inhibit fly field establishment and/or population growth under climatic drought conditions.

FieldValue
Tags
Modified
2022-09-22
Release Date
2021-06-02
Frequency
Irregularly
Identifier
a6695148-b3db-40b4-b4d3-52837e99f525
Spatial / Geographical Coverage Area
POINT (-122.30562269746 37.88634597527)
Publisher
Ag Data Commons
Spatial / Geographical Coverage Location
USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710
Temporal Coverage
February 1, 2020 to April 15, 2020
License
Data Dictionary
Contact Name
Moran, Patrick J.
Contact Email
Public Access Level
Public
Program Code
005:040 - Department of Agriculture - National Research
Bureau Code
005:18 - Agricultural Research Service