Effects of 2,4-D and maleic hydrazide on the glycogen level in the embryonic development of Pimpla turionellae (L.) (Hym., Ichneumonidae)

The effects of the herbicides 2,4-D and maleic hydrazide, which are used ag ainst wild plants in farming, on the glycogen level in the embryological de velopment of Pimpla turionellae, an important insect species used in biolog ical control programmes, have been investigated. Various concentrations of the applied herbicides decreased the hatching rate and glycogen levels of t he eggs which were still going through embryonic development. It was observ ed that the glycogen level of Pimpla turionellae eggs that were not exposed to herbicides increased after 4 and 8 h during embryonic development, but decreased in the later stages (24 and 30 h). It was found that the hatching rate and glycogen levels throughout the embryonic development decreased wi th as the concentrations of 2,4-D and maleic hydrazide applied were increas ed.