Abstract:

Diapause is widespread in a variety of braconids, which are natural enemies for many pest insects. By regulating diapause of braconids, the following objectives can be achieved: increasing the shelf-life of braconid wasps, prolonging the time of prevention and control, and improving the braconids’ resistance ability and fecundity. These are important for production and application of braconids. This review summarized 2 545 literatures of diapause in the world since 1910. In total 37 species in Braconidae, belonging to 16 genera and 7 subfamilies, were reported for their clear diapause induction or diapause termination. Among them, the diapause characteristics of 23 species were described in detail. Majority of braconids diapaused in prepupae, followed by larval diapause, a small number of the braconids diapaused in adult. The diapause sensitive period varies in different species. Braconids have relatively long diapause duration, because most of them can be maintained for several months, and the longest one is up to 14 months. Photoperiod, temperature and host are major factors affecting the diapause of braconids. To some extent, humidity, parents and host plants can also affect the diapause process of braconids. Currently, the research of diapause in braconids is limited to biological observation, the physiological characteristics, hormone regulation, molecular regulation, etc. have not yet been studied, so there are many issues to be further explored.

Key words: Diapause, braconid, diapause duration, photoperiod, temperature, host, hormone regulation, molecular regulation