Research on some biological features of Aspidiotus nerii bouche (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and its parasitoid Aphytis melinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) at different relative humidity level

In this study was investigated that effect of relative humidity to successful mass rearing of Aphytis melinus which is an effective biological control agent on Aonidielia aurantii? (Maskell) citrus areas in Region of East Mediterranean and its host Aspidiotus nerii. For these purpose were studied some biological features of A. melinus and A. nerii easily produced of A. melinus at %40, %60 and %80 RH.The developmental time (egg to adult) of A. nerii is shortest 27.0 days at % 60 RH, the longest 33.0 days at % 40 RH. The mortality rate is determined minimum at %40, maximum at %80. Longevity of female is longest 51.2 days at %40, shortest 34.5 days at %60. Although total fecundity of female is maximum 83.1 eggs/female at %40 parallel to female longevity, minimum 58.0 eggs/female at % 80. Body size of A. nerii is getting bigger with increasing relative humidity.The developmental time of A. melinus increased with increasing humidity. While rate of female to male is in favor of female at % 40 RH, It is in favor of male at % 60 and %80 RH. Body size of A. melinus is minimum at %80 RH which was observed the longest development time.