Interactions across Tritrophic Levels: Legume Host Plants, Insect Pest Callosobruchus maculatus, and Parasitoid Dinarmus basalis

In an attempt to explore the tritrophic interactions among legume host plants and an insect pest C. maculatus , and an insect parasitoid D. basalis were used in this study. C. maculatus strains favoring seeds rich in protein and carbohydrate exhibit optimal physical performance in terms of weight and size, as well as biological parameters such as longevity, adult emergence and fertility. Additionally, fecundity and egg fertility of C. maculatus females correlate with larval protein and carbohydrate intake, as well as food quality. Parasitoids, crucial for controlling host densities, rely on substantial protein, lipid, and carbohydrate intake for survival and reproductive success. Focused on correlation between life history parameters of adult’s parasitoids and the host biochemical composition. Larvae L4 sugar content significantly affects parasitoid adults, with a notable positive relationship between sugar content in C. maculatus l arvae and D. basalis sex ratio. This study is the first to investigate the relationships between the biochemical composition of C. maculatus L4 larvae and the biological and demographic performances of its parasitoid D. basalis . Our results show that the macronutrient content of plants and pest plays a crucial role in determining the tritrophic interactions.