Parasitic effect of Opius concolor (Spzl) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) on an intermediate host Ceratitis capitata Wied (Diptera, Trypetidae)
Ben Hamouda, M.H.; Ben Salah, H.
Archives de l'Institut Pasteur de Tunis 61(2-3): 153-164
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-2509 PMID: 6544052 Document Number: 222383
To facilitate the mass-rearing of Opius concolor for the biological control of Dacus oleae on olive, the parasite was reared experimentally on an alternative host, Ceratitis capitata, in the laboratory in Tunisia, and the incidence of parasitism of this host was studied using the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis techniques. A noticeable modification of protein content in C. capitata was observed after parasitism by O. concolor. The most important discovery is stated to be that of the same antigens in both host and parasite. These results are discussed in relation to the parasitic and feeding behaviour of O. concolor, and appear to indicate either the absorption of host proteins by the parasite during feeding or the synthesis of common proteins by both species, suggesting a genetic link between them.