Effect of feeding on pollen of different plants on life table parameters of the predatory bug, Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hem.: Anthocoridae)

Document Type : Original paper

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Abstract

Pollen of different plants is supplementary or alternative food resource for most predator species. In this research, the effect of various diets was investigated on life table parameters of the predatory bug, Orius laevigatus (Fieber) at 26±2°C, 55±5 % RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) h. Four diets including Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) eggs plus corn pollen, A. kuehniella eggs plus sunflower pollen, A. kuehniella eggs plus red poppy pollen and A. kuehniella eggs (without pollen) were compared. The predators were separately reared on each diet for one generation and their offspring was used in the experiment. Newly hatched first instar nymphs of the predator were transferred individually to small plastic containers. The nymphs were separately reared on each diet. Newly emerged adults of the predator were paired in transparent plastic containers and fed separately on each diet. In all treatments, a piece of bean pod was used as oviposition substrate as well as a source of moisture to the insects. Number of eggs laid by females was recorded daily. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) of O. laevigatus was significantly higher when A. kuehniella eggs plus corn pollen (0.1909 d-1) and A. kuehniella eggs plus sunflower pollen (0.1840 d-1) were served as diet compared to those estimated on  A. kuehniella eggs plus red poppy pollen (0.1554 d-1) and A. kuehniella eggs alone (0.1626 d-1). The net reproductive rate (R0) of the predator ranged from 70.94 (♀/♀/generation) on A. kuehniella eggs plus corn pollen to 24.95 on A. kuehniella eggs plus red poppy. There were also significant differences in finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) in feeding on different diets. This study revealed that the corn and sunflower pollens increase the fecundity of O. laevigatus and can be used in mass rearing of this predator.

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Agricultural Pest Management
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
December 2015
Pages 13-22

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