BioControl (2018) 63, 655-664

A.G.C. de Azevedo, R.M. Stuart and L. Sigsgaard (2018)
Presence of a generalist entomopathogenic fungus influences the oviposition behaviour of an aphid-specific predator
BioControl 63 (5), 655-664
Abstract: The predator Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and the generalist entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum Petch (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) are effective biological control agents that can co-occur in pest management programmes. We exposed larvae to M. brunneum, on leaves and in soil, to explore possible outcomes of combining the two natural enemies. The number of emerging adults and their longevity were negatively affected by fungus in the soil. When exposed on leaves, adult emergence was unaffected but longevity was reduced. In choice experiments, females chose to lay eggs on fungus-free leaves: more control leaves had eggs and there were more eggs per leaf in the control. In no-choice experiments, the same frequency of females laid eggs in the treatment and control, but significantly more eggs were laid on the control leaves. Gravid A. aphidimyza can perceive M. brunneum and respond by choosing fungus-free oviposition sites, thus reducing contact between them.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Lene Sigsgaard

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza (predator)
Metarhizium brunneum (entomopathogen)