Foraging Behavior of the Mealybug Parasitoid Anagyrus sp.nov. nr. sinope (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juang-Horng Chong ◽  
Ronald D. Oetting
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Oviposition Behavior ◽  
Time Budget ◽  
Handling Time ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Defensive Behaviors ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Phenacoccus Madeirensis ◽  
Foraging Time

Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope Noyes and Menezes (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a candidate biological control agent against the Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). This study reported on the components of the oviposition behavior of Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope in relation to 6 developmental stadia of P. madeirensis: crawlers, second-instar nymphs, third-instar immature females, third-instar immature males, prereproductive adult females, and ovipositing adult females. A behavioral sequence and a time budget were prepared for Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope, indicating that the parasitoids foraging in a patch containing third-instar and prereproductive adult females had the highest probability to encounter and eventually parasitize a host. The parasitoids attacking third-instar and prereproductive adult females also spent the largest proportion of total foraging time in oviposition (67 and 69%, respectively) and had the longest handling time (997 and 655 sec per event, respectively). No third-instar immature males, which were wrapped in thick tests constructed of wax filaments, were parasitized by the parasitoids. Anagyrus sp. nov. nr. sinope did not avoid superparasitism. Parasitoids foraging in patches of third-instar and adult females had a higher self-superparasitism rate (27–33%) than crawlers and second-instar nymphs (8–14%). The clutch sizes in the superparasitized mealybugs were slightly larger than those in the mealybugs parasitized only once, but the difference was only significant in the ovipositing female P. madeirensis. Older and larger mealybugs exhibited more vigorous defensive behaviors by walking away and flipping abdomens. However, such behavioral defenses were not effective against the persistent parasitoids.

scholarly journals Effect of host age on searching and oviposition behaviour of Diaeretiella rapae (MIntosh) (Hymenoptera Aphidiidae)

2008 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. 355-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kant ◽  
W.R.M. Sandanayaka ◽  
X.Z. He ◽  
Q. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Handling Time ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Oviposition Behaviour ◽  
Diaeretiella Rapae ◽  
Host Age ◽  
Cabbage Aphid ◽  
Adaptive Preference ◽  
Aphid Host ◽  
Foraging Time

Diaeretiella rapae is an important biological control agent of cabbage aphid Host searching handling and oviposition behaviour were investigated in relation to host age The parasitoid spent 61 of her foraging time searching for hosts Host handling time of the parasitoid decreased with increased number of host encounters The females were more successful in finding older hosts (7 days old) and spent more time (949 205 s/encounter) and did more stings (99 14/encounter) on them than the younger hosts They preferred to sting the abdomen rather than the thorax head or legs of the host The average number of eggs laid per host was highest (14 02 eggs) in 7dayold hosts When attacking 7dayold hosts they gained 42 success in ovipositing the host compared to 10 18 and 30 success in 1 3 and 5dayold hosts respectively Results suggest that D rapae may have adaptive preference for larger hosts and mass production could be more efficient by using 7dayold aphids

scholarly journals Biology of an Adventive Population of the Armored Scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a Biological Control Agent of Arundo donax in California

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 588
Author(s):  
Charles A. Braman ◽  
Adam M. Lambert ◽  
A. Zeynep Özsoy ◽  
Ellen N. Hollstien ◽  
Kirsten A. Sheehy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Arundo Donax ◽  
Giant Reed ◽  
Aphytis Melinus ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Armored Scale ◽  
Riparian Systems

Arundo donax (giant reed) is invasive in Mediterranean, sub-, and tropical riparian systems worldwide. The armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis is approved for biocontrol in North America, but an adventive population was recently discovered in southern California. We documented this population’s distribution, phylogeny, phenology, potential host spillover to Phragmites spp., and potential for parasitism by a common biocontrol parasitoid of citrus scale. The adventive scale was found within a single watershed and is genetically closest to Iberian scale genotypes. Rhizaspidiotus donacis developed on Phragmites haplotypes but at much lower densities than Arundo. The adventive population is univoltine, producing crawlers from March-June. Aphytis melinus parasitoids exhibited sustained interest in R. donacis during choice and no-choice trials and oviposition resulted in a small second generation. Rhizaspidiotus donacis appears limited in distribution by its univoltinism and sessile adult females. This presents challenges for broad biocontrol implementation but allows for targeted application. The genetic differentiation between imported biocontrol samples and adventive populations presents an opportunity for exploring benefits of hybrids and/or alternative genotypes where establishment has been difficult. While unlikely to occur in situ, spillover to vulnerable endemic Phragmites or deleterious parasitoid effects on scale biocontrol agents warrants consideration when planning use of R. donacis.

Functional response in coccinellid beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is modified by prey-density experience

2022 ◽  
Vol 154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desh Deepak Chaudhary ◽  
Bhupendra Kumar ◽  
Geetanjali Mishra ◽  
Omkar
Keyword(s):  
Functional Response ◽  
Prey Density ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Handling Time ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Late Instar ◽  
Rearing Density ◽  
Type Ii Functional Response

Abstract In the present study, we assessed functional response curves of two generalist coccinellid beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), specifically Menochilus sexmaculatus and Propylea dissecta, using fluctuating densities of aphid prey as a stimulus. In what may be the first such study, we investigated how the prey density experienced during the early larval development of these two predatory beetle species shaped the functional response curves of the late instar–larval and adult stages. The predators were switched from their rearing prey-density environments of scarce, optimal, or abundant prey to five testing density environments of extremely scarce, scarce, suboptimal, optimal, or abundant prey. The individuals of M. sexmaculatus that were reared on either scarce- and optimal- or abundant-prey densities exhibited type II functional response curves as both larvae and adults. However, individuals of P. dissecta that were reared on scarce- and abundant-prey densities displayed modified type II functional response curves as larvae and type II functional response curves as adults. In contrast, individuals of P. dissecta reared on the optimal-prey density displayed type II functional response curves as larvae and modified type II functional response curves as adults. The fourth-instar larvae and adult females of M. sexmaculatus and P. dissecta also exhibited highest prey consumption (T/Th) and shortest prey-handling time (Th) on the scarce-prey rearing density. Thus, under fluctuating-prey conditions, M. sexmaculatus is a better biological control agent of aphids than P. dissecta is.

Age-Dependent Functional and Numerical Responses of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjad Dalir ◽  
Hamidreza Hajiqanbar ◽  
Yaghoub Fathipour ◽  
Mostafa Khanamani
Keyword(s):  
Functional Response ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Spider Mite ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Handling Time ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Neoseiulus Cucumeris ◽  
Predation Capacity ◽  
Two Spotted Spider Mite ◽  
Tetranychus Urticae Koch

Abstract The age-specific functional and numerical responses of Neoseiulus cucumeris Oudemans (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) on eggs of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), were assessed in the laboratory using bean leaf discs. Densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 prey were provided to 4- (protonymph), 6- (deutonymph), 8-, 13-, 18-, 23-, 28-, 33-, and 40-d-old N. cucumeris individuals. The functional response of 28- and 40-d-old N. cucumeris fitted type II, whereas the other ages displayed a type III functional response. The longest handling time observed at the age of 4 d was 0.515 h, whereas the shortest handling time and highest value of maximum attack rate (T/Th) were associated with the age of the 28-d-old treatment (0.261 h and 91.95 prey/d, respectively). The numerical response of N. cucumeris showed a significant increase with increasing prey density, but its rate gradually decreased at higher densities. Therefore, the efficiency of conversion of ingested food was relatively higher at low two-spotted spider mite densities, whereas it was reduced at high two-spotted spider mite densities. The stronger functional response and predation capacity of N. cucumeris on two-spotted spider mite eggs indicated the high potential of this predatory mite as an effective biological control agent against two-spotted spider mite especially at its early and middle ages and also when higher prey densities are present.

Functional and numerical responses of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) to eggs and nymphs of Oulenziella bakeri and Tetranychus urticae

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1225-1235
Author(s):  
Rui Zhu ◽  
Jian-Jun Guo ◽  
Tian-Ci Yi ◽  
Rong Xiao ◽  
Dao-Chao Jin
Keyword(s):  
Tetranychus Urticae ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Absolute Number ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Neoseiulus Californicus ◽  
Greenhouse Crops ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Tetranychus Urticae Koch

The predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), is an important biological control agent of Tetranychus urticae Koch in greenhouse crops. Oulenziella bakeri is an important alternative prey for the commercial production of N. californicus. To confirm that the predatory relationship between N. californicus and O. bakeri is beneficial to the reproduction of N. californicus, the functional and numerical responses of N. californicus to O. bakeri and T. urticae were compared when exposed to six prey densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 individuals) under laboratory conditions. An analysis of the logistic regression showed that the adult female N. californicus displayed a type II functional response when fed on O. bakeri and T. urticae eggs and nymphs. The proportion of the consumed prey by N. californicus to the total supplied prey declined, even though the absolute number of predation events increased as the prey density increased. The Holling disc equation revealed that N. californicus had greater attack rates on the eggs (0.86-1.03) and nymphs (0.73-0.93) of T. urticae than those of O. bakeri, which were (0.55–0.73) and (0.71–0.96), respectively. N. californicus had longer handling times for the eggs (0.05–0.09) and nymphs (0.07–0.12) of O. bakeri compared with those of T. urticae, which were (0.03–0.05) and (0.04–0.07), respectively. The numbers of eggs laid by N. californicus feeding on eggs and nymphs of T. urticae were greater than those feeding on O. bakeri; but as the density increased, the difference in the oviposition rates between the predators feeding on two mites decreased. The comparison of the functional and numerical responses of the predator to O. bakeri and T. urticae revealed that the former is a good alternative food in the commercial production of N. californicus.

scholarly journals Impact Assessment of Biological Control-Based Integrated Pest Management in Rice and Maize in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Babendreier ◽  
Min Wan ◽  
Rui Tang ◽  
Rui Gu ◽  
Justice Tambo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Integrated Pest Management ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Target Area ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

The impact and sustainability of two interventions that have been formulated to introduce integrated pest management (IPM) into rice and maize crops in Southwestern China, Laos, and Myanmar between 2011 and 2016, and were assessed at the end of 2017. From 22 Trichogramma rearing facilities established during the interventions, 11 were still producing substantial quantities of biocontrol agents 1.5 years after project support had ended, while seven had stopped operations completely, and four were doing stock rearing only. Through the implementation of biological control-based IPM, slightly higher yields were achieved in maize and rice (4–10%), when compared to control farmers, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the use of pesticides nearly halved when farmers started using Trichogramma egg-cards as a biological control agent. Support from either public or private institutions was found to be important for ensuring the sustainability of Trichogramma rearing facilities. Many of the suggested IPM measures were not adopted by smallholder farmers, indicating that the positive impacts of the interventions mostly resulted from the application of Trichogramma biological control agents. The following assessment suggests that further promotion of IPM adoption among farmers is needed to upscale the already positive effects of interventions that facilitate reductions in synthetic pesticide use, and the effects on sustainable agricultural production of rice and maize in the target area more generally.

Studies on the biology of Aphidius sonchi Marshall (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), a parasite of the sowthistle aphid, Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

1985 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liu Shu-Sheng ◽  
Mary Carver
Keyword(s):  
Adult Stage ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Macrosiphum Euphorbiae ◽  
Principal Vector ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Hymenopterous Parasite ◽  
Males And Females

AbstractThe hymenopterous parasite, Aphidius sonchi Marshall, has been introduced into Australia as a biological control agent of the sowthistle aphid, Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.), the principal vector of lettuce necrotic yellows virus disease. Some aspects of its biology were studied in the laboratory. Females reared at 22°C contained a mean ± s.e. of 179·4 ± 10·26 eggs on emergence, and more eggs were formed during adult life. Unmated females produced male progeny only; mated females produced progeny of both sexes. At 22°C, both males and females mated within 12 h of emergence. Virgin females could mate successfully after having commenced oviposition and switch to producing progeny of both sexes. At 20°C, both virgin and mated females started oviposition within 7 h of emergence. The female oviposited in all nymphal instars and both apterous and alate adults of the host. Only one egg was laid per insertion of the ovipositor. Superparasitization was common, but only one parasite per aphid survived to the adult stage. Females at 22°C and LD 12:12 oviposited during both the photophase and the scotophase; the proportion of eggs laid in the scotophase was correlated with the availability of hosts. Adult females lived longer in the absence of hosts than in their presence and lived longer than males, and those supplied with water and honey lived longer than those without. Facultative diapause occurred. The integumental coloration of adults varied according to the temperature during their immature stages. Females of A. sonchi oviposited readily in Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), but their progeny did not develop beyond the egg stage. A. sonchi was parasitized by Alloxysta ancylocera (Cameron), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) and Dendrocerus carpenteri (Curtis) in the field.

Age-specific functional response and predation rate of Amblyseius swirskii (Phytoseiidae) on two-spotted spider mite

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaghoub Fathipour ◽  
Maryam Karimi ◽  
Azadeh Farazmand ◽  
Ali Asghar Talebi
Keyword(s):  
Functional Response ◽  
Spider Mite ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Handling Time ◽  
Predation Rate ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Amblyseius Swirskii ◽  
Two Spotted Spider Mite ◽  
Tetranychus Urticae Koch

The lifetime functional response and predation rate of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot on eggs of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch were determined under laboratory conditions using cucumber leaf discs. Densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 prey were offered to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 17, 22 and 27-day-old A. swirskii individuals. Based on the logistic regression, the functional response of twelve-day-old A. swirskii was type III, while the other ages showed type II. The Rogers model was used to estimate searching efficiency (a) and handling time (Th). The longest handling time (1.387±0.315 h) was observed in the protonymphal stage, while the shortest handling time and highest maximum attack rate (T/Th) were estimated at the age of seven-days (0.396±0.057 h and 60.67 prey/day, respectively). In the functional response experiments, results of the highest prey density used (128 eggs) showed that the highest number of prey consumed by A. swirskii individuals aged twelve and seventeen-days old (35.6 and 43.1 eggs, respectively). It is concluded that A. swirskii could be an efficient biological control agent of T. urticae at the middle-age of its life and at higher prey densities. 

Toxicity of sulfoxaflor and four modern fungicides on various stages of a non-target predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1531-1540
Author(s):  
Firdevs Ersin ◽  
İsmail Döker ◽  
Ferit Turanli
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Predatory Mite ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Amblyseius Swirskii ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Adult Females

This study was conducted to reveal the toxicity of sulfoxaflor and the four modern fungicides (ametoctradin +dimethomorph, isopyrazam, mandipropamid and propamocarb-HCl+fluopicolide) on various developmental stages of a non-target predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae). The maximum recommended concentrations of the pesticides were applied to eggs, larvae and adult females of the predator in order to obtain detail knowledge of their toxicity at worst-case scenario under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that mortality rates vary between the life stages and the larva was the most sensitive. The highest egg mortality was found for isopyrazam (20.44%) followed by propamocarb+fluopicolide (17.55%) and ametoctradin+dimethomorph (15.77%) at 72 h after the treatments. Sulfoxaflor, ametoctradin+dimethomorph and propamocarb+fluopicolide were proven to be harmful to the larvae as they caused significantly higher mortality than the control, and their mortality reached 80.00, 77.50 and 60.00% at 168 h after treatment, respectively. In the case of adult females, respective mortality rates of propamocarb+fluopicolide, sulfoxaflor, ametoctradin+dimethomorph and isopyrazam were found 30.00%, 25.83%, 21.66% and 16.66% after 120 h after treatment, respectively. In addition, mandipropamid and sulfoxaflor caused a drastic decrease in fecundity of the predator. Accordingly, isopyrazam may be compatible with A. swirskii in intergraded pest management programs where it is released as biological control agent. Due to their high toxicity to at least one developmental stage of the predator, further experiments are needed in order to clarify the toxicity of the other pesticides under field or semi-field conditions.

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