BioControl (2018) 63, 227-239

Alice Albertini, Susanna Marchi, Claudio Ratti, Giovanni Burgio, Ruggero Petacchi and Serena Magagnoli (2018)
Bactrocera oleae pupae predation by Ocypus olens detected by molecular gut content analysis
BioControl 63 (2), 227-239
Abstract: The pupae of Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) complete their development during autumn and winter in the soil, rather than in the drupe, resulting susceptible to edaphic predators. Environmentally friendly methods to control this olive pest involve the identification of its natural enemies. This study evaluated the role of Ocypus olens (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in the predation of B. oleae pupae, by means of molecular gut content analysis. Modified dry pitfall traps were used to collect live specimens from low-input olive orchards in Tuscany (Italy). Sampling was fine-tuned with a degree-day model estimating the presence of pest pupae in the soil. PCR analyses carried out on field-collected specimens demonstrated that O. olens is a predator of B. oleae, at least during autumn. These results are consistent with predictions of the degree-day model. Knowledge on species composition, traits and complementarity of the natural enemies of B. oleae pupae needs further investigation to advance conservation biological control strategies.
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Database assignments for author(s): Alice Albertini, Giovanni Burgio

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bactrocera oleae		Italy
Ocypus olens (predator)	Bactrocera oleae		Italy