Synergistic action of potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate on parasitoid wasp oviposition.

A dilute solution of potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate induces oviposition in artificial eggs by the egg parasitoids Trichogramma pretiosum and T. minutum. The ability to obtain large numbers of eggs through the use of this inexpensive solution is a major advance toward the development of diets and the large-scale production of Trichogramma spp. in vitro.