Predatory function of Geocoris ochropterus and Geocoris xishaensis
Author of the article:LI Shao-Ka WU Ming-Yue LIN Jun-Xu LI Qi-Shan FU Zhen-Shi LIN Ming-Zhi KONG Xiang-Yi ZHANG Yo
Author's Workplace:Sanya Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572000, China; Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
Key Words:Geocoris ochropterus; Geocoris xishaensis; predation preference; Megalurothrips usitatus; predation potential
Abstract:
[Objectives] To clarify the potential of two predatory stink bugs (Geocoris
ochropterus Fieber and G. xishaensis) as biological controls for the
main pests of melons and vegetables in Hainan. [Methods] The feeding preferences of the two species
of stink bug with respect to common thrips, aphids, leafhoppers and nitidulids
were determined, and their ability to control common thrips was evaluated. [Results] Both stink bugs preferred common thrips to
the three other pests and adult common thrips to nymphs. The predation rate of
both species was highest at 28 ℃ and the maximum daily capture rates of common
thrips by adult female, adult male, 4th-5th instar nymphs and 2nd-3rd instar
nymphs of G. ochropterus were (49.18 ± 8.71), (47.23 ± 7.81), (43.60 ±
10.29) and (30.10 ± 4.65) ind. /day, respectively. The maximum daily capture
rates of common thrips by adult female, adult male, 4th-5th instar nymphs and
2nd-3rd instar nymphs of G. xishaensis were (33.37 ± 3.89), (32.65 ±
5.12), (23.87 ± 2.37) and (27.36 ± 3.19) ind./day, respectively. [Conclusion] Adults and nymphs of G. ochropterus and G. xishaensis are both potentially effective biological controls for the
main pests of melons and vegetables. Both species prefer to prey on common
thrips, and females of both species were the most effective predators of adult
thrips. These findings provide a foundation for the conservation and
application of G. ochropterus and G. xishaensis as biological
control agents in Hainan.