Laboratory assessment of the suitability of predatory bugs Orius laevigatus and Orius majusculus as natural enemies of seed potato pests in greenhouses

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were performed to test Orius majusculus and Orius laevigatus suitability for potato protection. The adult bugs released on potato plants infested with Myzus persicae can normally survive, mature, and reproduce. In the absence of prey, the bugs can survive for about a week. And though addition of flower pollen increased survival, insect fecundity remained low. Only feeding by Sitotroga cerealella eggs added to potato plants provided for sustainable fecundity of Orius females laying up to 200 eggs during the lifetime. Thus, O. majusculus can be applied for biological control of aphids on seed potatoes in greenhouses and the grain moth eggs can be used as an additional food for the bugs.