Host Utilization of the Endoparasitoid, \u3ci\u3eCotesia glomerata\u3c/i\u3e L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Different Instars of \u3ci\u3ePierls brassicae\u3c/i\u3e L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a destructive pest of brassicaceous plants around the world. Biological control of this pest has attained much attention being environment friendly. Parasitism rate and growth of the endoparasitoid species, Cotesia glomerata L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was studied on first (L 1) and second (L2) larval instars of P. brassicae. Adult fresh mass and developmental time of the parasitoid was higher when it parasitized L1 than L2 of host larvae. Thus, host instars contributed significant variations to parasitoids adult mass accumulation during their development. Parasitized host caterpillars in L2 grew significantly larger than in L1 due to less parasitism rate. Similarly, the development of C. glomerata was faster in L1 as compared to L2. Larval mortality of the host and parasitoid was also significantly higher in case of LI. It is indicated from the study that C. glomerata has a promising role managing P. brassicae larvae at early stages