Evaluation of the Parasitic Potential of Pupal Parasitoid, Nesolynx thymus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) During Different Seasons for Biological Control of Uzi Fly

The study was conducted during October 2021 to May 2022 in the laboratory of department of Entomology, AAU, Jorhat and in the experimental rearing room of College of Sericulture, Titabor, AAU, Jorhat. The endo parasitic uzi fly can cause significant crop losses in muga and mulberry silkworm, necessitating effective pest management strategies. A black scar in the silkworm body is the main characteristics symptoms of uzi fly attack. The present study investigated on parasitic potential of the gregarious pupal parasitoid, Nesolynx thymus (Eulophidae), on the Uzi fly. Present study revealed that N. thymus effectively parasitized the Uzi fly pupae, with higher parasitization rates during the autumn season (63%) compared to spring (47%). Notably, younger pupae (1-2 days old) were more preferred for oviposition, with parasitization rates reaching 68.33% and 65%, respectively. The study also documented the presence of predatory ants, Oecophylla smaragdina, which preyed upon the Uzi fly maggots and eggs.