BioControl (2018) 63, 719-728
Justin M. Renkema and Andrew G.S. Cuthbertson (2018)
Impact of multiple natural enemies on immature Drosophila suzukii in strawberries and blueberries
BioControl 63 (5), 719-728
Abstract: Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) oviposits in ripening fruit, larvae render crops unmarketable, and significant economic losses can occur. Biological control research has focused on individual natural enemy species against immature D. suzukii. Here we combine two predators and an entomopathogenic nematode, expecting species complementarity and increased control of D. suzukii. In strawberries, Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) plus Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) resulted in fewest D. suzukii (81% reduction), and in blueberries, results were similar (60% reduction), although H. bacteriophora was not as effective as in strawberries, which was likely due to drier substrate conditions. There was neither strong complementarity nor interference between predators, O. insidiosus and Dalotia coriaria Kraatz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). Inclusion of O. insidiosus resulted in 50% fewer D. suzukii than combinations without O. insidiosus. Control of D. suzukii can be improved with multiple natural enemies, and combinations of O. insidiosus with other agents (parasitoids, fungal entomopathogens) should be tested.
(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): Justin M. Renkema, Andrew G.S. Cuthbertson
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology
