Two hymenopteran parasitoid species of the jackfruit borer <i>Diaphania caesalis</i> (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in China

Jackfruit borer, Diaphania caesalis (Walker), is a major boring pest of Artocarpus plants (Moraceae). Biological control is considered an environmentally sustainable means of managing pests. However, parasitoids of D. caesalis in China are unknown. Here, we investigated the parasitoids of D. caesalis through field monitoring and surveys and identified them through morphological observation and DNA barcoding technology. Two hymenopteran parasitoid species, Dolichogenidea sp. and Eulophidae undet. sp., were identified on D. caesalis. The parasitism rate of Dolichogenidea sp. (21.0 ± 1.8%) was significantly higher than that of Eulophidae undet. sp. (3.8 ± 2.2%). The field incidence of Dolichogenidea sp. in the Artocarpus integer and Artocarpus heterophyllus orchards was 30.8 ± 2.5% and 22.3 ± 7.6%, respectively, but there was no significant difference. Overall, Dolichogenidea sp. was the dominant parasitoid of D. caesalis in China. Further research is needed to determine the species' identity, and their biological characteristics should be evaluated to determine their potential applications in biocontrol programs.