Canopy hedge pruning in pecan production differentially affects groups of arthropod pests and associated natural enemies

A molecular approach to unravel trophic interactions between parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with pecan aphids

“…The true effect of hyperparasitoids on A. perpallidus remains to be examined, but currently only a small percentage of mummies contained both primary and hyperparasitoid DNA. Therefore, while there is a diversity of hyperparasitoids in the system, low levels of hyperparasitoids observed in mummies and high populations of A. perpallidus observed in the system ( Slusher et al 2021 , Toledo et al 2024 ), suggests that A. perpallidus is not experiencing strong top-down pressure from hyperparasitism. But more controlled future research of the species composition of the broader aphid–parasitoid–hyperparasitoid community in the pecan system and adjacent habitats will advance our understanding of the community structure and potential impact of primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids on biological control services in this system.…”

“…This corroborates the morphological assessment of the 3 aphids detailed by Tedders (1978) . Although we uncovered 2 possible primary parasitoids, most of the recovered reads from mummies were from a single primary parasitoid species that appears to numerically dominate this system ( Slusher et al 2021 , Toledo et al 2024 ) and potentially interacts with a diversity of hyperparasitoids ( Table 1 ). We also found evidence of black pecan aphid parasitism in our samples ( Fig.…”

“…Based on the DNA barcoding results, metabarcoding of mummies and past sampling in this system ( Slusher et al 2021 , Toledo et al 2024 ), the primary parasitoid in pecan systems in Georgia is A. perpallidus , a member of the family Aphelinidae that parasitizes pecan aphids ( Tedders 1978 , Bueno and Stone 1985 ). James Wooley, a parasitoid specialist formerly of Texas A&M, identified specimens of primary pecan aphid parasitoids submitted by the authors and revealed most to be A. perpallidus .…”