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Intraguild predation of Geocoris punctipes on Eretmocerus eremicus and its influence on the control of the whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Author(s) -
BaoFundora Lourdes,
RamirezRomero Ricardo,
SánchezHernández Carla V,
SánchezMartínez José,
Desneux Nicolas
Publication year - 2016
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.4163
Subject(s) - intraguild predation , lygaeidae , biology , predation , biological pest control , trialeurodes , aphelinidae , predator , ecology , pest analysis , heteroptera , homoptera , parasitoid , botany
BACKGROUND Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) and Eretmocerus eremicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are whitefly natural enemies. Previously, under laboratory conditions, we showed that G . punctipes engages in intraguild predation ( IGP ), the attack of one natural enemy by another, on E . eremicus . However, it is unknown whether this IGP interaction takes place under more complex scenarios, such as semi‐field conditions. Even more importantly, the effect of this interaction on the density of the prey population requires investigation. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish whether this IGP takes place under semi‐field conditions and to determine whether the predation rate of G. punctipes on the whitefly decreases when IGP takes place. RESULTS Molecular analysis showed that, under semi‐field conditions, G . punctipes performed IGP on E . eremicus . However, although IGP did take place, the predation rate by G. punctipes on the whitefly was nevertheless higher when both natural enemies were present together than when the predator was present alone. CONCLUSION While IGP of G. punctipes on E. eremicus does occur under semi‐field conditions, it does not adversely affect whitefly control. The concomitant use of these two natural enemies seems a valid option for inundative biological control programmes of T. vaporariorum in tomato. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry