Biocontrol Science and Technology (2015) 25, 72-83

Khadijeh Madahi, Ahad Sahragard and Reza Hosseini (2015)
Predation rate and numerical response of Aphidoletes aphidimyza feeding on different densities of Aphis craccivora
Biocontrol Science and Technology 25 (1), 72-83
Abstract: Predation rate and numerical response are basic to any investigation of predator–prey relationships and key components in the selection of predators for biological control. The density-dependent predation rate and numerical response of Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) to varying densities (5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80) of third-instar Aphis craccivora (Koch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were studied in laboratory conditions [23±1°C, 70 ± 5% relative humidity (RH), and a photoperiod of 16:8 h L:D. Predation rate data were analysed using the age-stage, two-sex consumption rate software. Net consumption rate (C₀) increased by increasing prey density. The lowest and highest net consumption rates were 20.75 and 190.8 prey nymphs at densities of 5 and 80 A. craccivora. The transformation rate from prey population to predator offspring (Q_p) increased by increasing prey density. The reproductive numerical response, in terms of eggs laid, increased curvilinearly with increasing prey density. Females laid 121.375 ± 4.301 eggs when exposed to the highest prey density (80) and 52.5 ± 1.544 eggs at lowest prey density (5). It can be concluded that different densities of A. craccivora influenced the reproductive performance of A. aphidimyza in terms of predation rate and numerical response.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Ahad Sahragard, Reza Hosseini

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.
	Aphis craccivora
Aphidoletes aphidimyza (predator)	Aphis craccivora