Evaluating combined use of a parasitoid and a zoophytophagous bug for biological control of the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli

Predation byEngytatus varians(Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae) onBactericera cockerelli(Sulcer) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and twoSpodopteraspecies

“…In general, predation rates can be greatly influenced by several characteristics of the prey (e.g., density, activity, and distribution) or predator (e.g., stadium, age, and nutritional status) (Frechette et al ., 2004; Lundgren, 2011; Ramirez-Ahuja et al , 2017). In previous studies, our group reported that the predation rates of E. varians nymphs were positively affected by the predator age (Pineda et al ., 2016).…”

“…Nesidiocoris tenuis females are very voracious and can prey 140 eggs of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) of the 450 offered in 24 h (Baños et al ., 2016), whereas adults and nymphs of D. tamaninii and Macrolophus caliginosus Wagner prey a much lower number (Barnadas et al ., 1998). To our knowledge, D. hesperus is the only mirid that has been reported feeding on B. cockerelli eggs, but at a low rate (5 eggs of the 10 offered in 24 h in a non-choice experiment) (Ramirez-Ahuja et al , 2017). This information contrasts greatly with our results because E. varians females consumed between 95 and 109 B. cockerelli eggs of the 100–160 offered in 24 h, and therefore this species has a much higher potential as predator and could be an attractive biological control agent for decreasing the number of spring nymphs of this important pest.…”

“…Besides, in our study E. varians females of 9 and 10 d old consumed significantly more second than third B. cockerelli nymphs , while males always consumed younger instars (second better than third). The lower energy demand for handling younger instars, less mobile, and sclerotized than the older, could have accounted for such a result (Ramirez-Ahuja et al , 2017). Similarly, to our findings, N. tenuis adults (the sex was not mentioned) feed more on a mixture of first and second instars T. vaporariorum than on third and four instars (Valderrama et al ., 2007).…”

Exogenous Application of Polycationic Nanobactericide on Tomato Plants Reduces the Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum Infection

“…All control strategies for phloem bacteria such as Ca Lso are mainly focused on psyllid extermination. These strategies include different insecticide formulations [ 6 , 27 , 28 ], releasing parasitoids ( Tamarixia triozae ) [ 12 ], and using plant extracts [ 28 ]. The psyllid colonies decline when any of these approaches are used, which could represent one advantage but is not a determinant for Ca Lso reduction inside the host plant.…”

“…Due to its oligophagous feeding practice, B. cockerelli has a long history of exposure to many insecticides and repellents [ 9 ]; therefore, it has developed high resistance levels. Biological control, a green alternative to chemical pesticides, has also been proposed to fight these diseases; for instance, the effect of entomopathogenic fungi was recently reported [ 10 , 11 ], and various natural enemies of B. cockerelli adults and nymphs have been considered [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. However, there are still no clear results in this regard, and, in general, additional research is necessary before authoritative practical guidance can be provided to resolve or lessen the problem.…”