Influence of different diets on prey preference and some biological characteristics of predatory bug, Orius albidipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in laboratory conditions

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Prey preference, reproduction and longevity of Orius albidipennis were studied on four different diets including the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae plus corn pollen; two-spotted spider mite; eggs of Sitotroga cerealella plus corn pollen and eggs of Sitotroga cerealella in laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 , 65 ± 5 RH and L16: D8 photoperiod). The leaves of Pelargonium hortom were served as oviposition substrate and moisture source. The results showed that feeding on T.urticae plus corn pollen was significantly higher than other diets. The Manly preference index (α) in the prey-preference test on four diets show more preference on T.urticae plus corn pollen than other diets. The female longevity was significantly higher on grain moth eggs plus corn pollen and grain moth eggs than T. urticae plus corn pollen and T. urticae. There were no significant differences in male longevity among the four different diets. The oviposition period and fecundity of female on grain moth eggs plus corn pollen were significantly higher than other diets. Daily egg-laying of O. albidipennis feeding on T. urticae plus corn pollen and T. urticae were significantly higher than on grain moth eggs plus corn pollen and grain moth eggs. The use of corn pollen as supplemental food increased fecundity of O. albidipennis and predator bug preferred diet which that fed on prey increased its daily egg laying.

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