Effect of different preys on the predation and prey preference ofOrius similis

Abstract

The genus Orius is a group of general predators and consumes a variety of pests including mites, thrips, aphids, eggs and young larvae of moths and other small, soft鄄bodied insects. It is an important biological control agent and plays an important role in controlling many pests. Researches on the effect of different preys on the predation and prey preference of Orius can provide basis for effective use of the agent in biological control. The predation and preference of newly hatched nymph, fifth instar nymph, female adult of O. similis to 3 species of preys, i. e. , (Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphis craccivora, Tetranychus urticae and their combinations) , were studied. The results showed that 1 st instar nymph of the predator, acclimated by feeding different preys, had no significant difference on predation capacity and preference to the prey. Comparison of C i with null hypothesis showed that the preference of 1 st instar nymph of the predator to F. occidentalis was positive under 4 prey treatments with no preference to A. craccivora. There was no preference to T. urticae when feeding on T. urticae, while the preference to T. urticae was negative on other treatments. Fifth instar nymph of the predator, acclimated by feeding different preys, had a significant difference in predation capacity and preference to the prey, significantly increasing the predation to prior feed. For example, the preference to F. occidentalis was biggest with the value of 0. 2580, when O. similis had experienced feeding on F. occidentalis. The predatory capacity and preference to

Effects of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) density and loofah pollen on development and fecundity of Orius similis Zheng

“…Zhang et al (2012) and Chyzik et al (1995) showed that Orius bugs were highly effective predators of thrips, which are a common pest in many crops. Moreover, studies have shown that Orius bugs prefer thrips over other potential prey species (Bernardo et al, 2017;Bonte et al, 2015;Wang et al, 2014;Zhang et al, 2013). Members of the genus Orius are omnivorous predators, meaning that they can consume both prey and nectar/pollen (Bernardo et al, 2017;Wong & Frank, 2013;Zhao et al, 2017).…”

“…For example, pollen substantially promotes the performance of O. minutus and O. sauteri , potentially serving as a viable alternative diet (Bernardo et al., 2017; Funao & Yoshiyasu, 1995; Song et al., 2018). In China, O. similis is a predominant species that plays a vital role in controlling the thrips (Zhang et al., 2013; Zhi et al., 2011).…”