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Molecular assessment of predation by hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Mediterranean lettuce crops
Author(s) -
GomezPolo Priscila,
Alomar Oscar,
Castañé Cristina,
Lundgren Jonathan G,
Piñol Josep,
Agustí Nuria
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.3910
Subject(s) - biology , predation , trophic level , intraguild predation , pest analysis , aphididae , generalist and specialist species , hemiptera , ecology , thripidae , biological pest control , botany , predator , homoptera , habitat
BACKGROUND Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) are generalist predators of a great variety of pests. Nasonovia ribisnigri (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are two common pests in Mediterranean lettuce crops, where they occur alongside alternative prey (e.g. Collembola). A semi‐field experiment was conducted in an experimental lettuce plot where hoverfly predation on N. ribisnigri , F. occidentalis and Collembola was studied by conventional PCR and qPCR using specific primers, as well as by next‐generation sequencing ( NGS ) in order to reveal other potential trophic interactions. RESULTS Trophic linkages between hoverflies and N. ribisnigri were the strongest both in spring and summer. F. occidentalis and Collembolans were also detected in both seasons, but with less frequency. qPCR detected a higher frequency of consumption than conventional PCR when both tests were run at optimal conditions. NGS analyses showed intraguild predation on other hoverfly species, as well as on anthocorids, spiders and even aphid parasitoids. CONCLUSIONS Conventional PCR and qPCR provided important insights into Mediterranean hoverfly species predation on target pest and non‐pest prey. NGS gave a complementary approach revealing a broader diet of these predators within the studied ecosystem. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry