Predatory Characteristics of Orius sp. on Thrips palmi KARNY, Tetranychus kanzawai KISHIDA, and Aphis gossypii GLOVER.

Abstract

The predatory ability and selective predation of Orius sp. on Thrips palmi KARNY, Tetranychus kanzawai KISHIDA and Aphis gossypii GLOVER, which are major pests of eggplant (Solanum melongena L. in Japan, were assessed under laboratory conditions at 25-degrees-C and 16L-8D. In 24 hours, one average adult female of Orius sp. preyed on 22 second instar larvae and 26 adults of T. palmi, 21 adult females of T. kanzawai, and 12 first instar nymphs and 6 fourth instar nymphs of A. gossypii. Adult females of Orius sp. did not eat eggs of T. palmi. The functional responses of nymphs of Orius sp. and those of adult females to the densities of all the prey species resembled HOLLING's type II curve. A selective predation test showed that adult females of Orius sp. prefer T. palmi followed by T. kanzawai and A. gossypii. Anthocoridae, Orius Sp, Thrips Palmi, Natural Enemy, Predator