Cereal Aphid Parasitoids in Europe (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae): Taxonomy, Biodiversity, and Ecology

Simple Summary Here, we review the current knowledge on the taxonomy, biodiversity, and ecology of cereal aphid parasitoids in Europe, which include 26 cereal aphid primary parasitoids and 28 hyperparasitoids. We present approaches to studying aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food webs, as well as the secondary endosymbionts in cereal aphids that may influence parasitoid community composition via their effects on food webs. We also review the effects of agricultural practices, environmental variation, and landscape complexity, on cereal aphid food webs and biological control. Cereals are very common and widespread crops in Europe. Aphids are a diverse group of herbivorous pests on cereals and one of the most important limiting factors of cereal production. Here, we present an overview of knowledge about the taxonomy, biodiversity, and ecology of cereal aphid parasitoids in Europe, an important group of natural enemies contributing to cereal aphid control. We review the knowledge obtained from the integrative taxonomy of 26 cereal aphid primary parasitoid species, including two allochthonous species (Lysiphlebus testaceipes and Trioxys sunnysidensis) and two recently described species (Lipolexis labialis and Paralipsis brachycaudi). We further review 28 hyperparasitoid species belonging to three hymenopteran superfamilies and four families (Ceraphronoidea: Megaspillidae; Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae, Encyrtidae; Cynipoidea: Figitidae). We also compile knowledge on the presence of secondary endosymbionts in cereal aphids, as these are expected to influence the community composition and biocontrol efficiency of cereal aphid parasitoids. To study aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food webs more effectively, we present two kinds of DNA-based approach: (i) diagnostic PCR (mainly multiplex PCR), and (ii) DNA sequence-based methods. Finally, we also review the effects of landscape complexity on the different trophic levels in the food webs of cereal aphids and their associated parasitoids, as well as the impacts of agricultural practices and environmental variation.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the current knowledge on the taxonomy, biodiversity, and ecology of cereal aphid parasitoids in Europe. The study presents approaches to studying aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food webs and the effects of secondary endosymbionts on parasitoid community composition. It also reviews the impacts of agricultural practices, environmental variation, and landscape complexity on cereal aphid food webs and biological control.