Biocontrol Science and Technology (2020) 30, 42-50

Simone S. Costa, Sônia M.F. Broglio, Nivia S. Dias-Pini, Djison S. Santos, Jakeline M. Santos, Francisco J.S. Duque and Wenner V.A. Saraiva (2020)
Developmental biology and functional responses of Leucochrysa (Nodita) azevedoi fed with different prey
Biocontrol Science and Technology 30 (1), 42-50
Abstract: Chrysopids (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) are generalist predators that have application in the biological control of a range of open-field and greenhouse pests. We have investigated the biology of Leucochrysa (Nodita) azevedoi fed with nymphs and adults of Brevicoryne brassicae L. and Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy 1907) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and eggs, nymphs and pupae of Aleurocanthus woglumi (Ashby) and Aleurodicus magnificus (Costa Lima 1928) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and established the predatory capacity of the chrysopid by determining its functional responses towards the two aphid species. Development of predators fed with A. magnificus was impeded at the third instar, demonstrating that this prey was nutritionally unsuitable for the chrysopid. The duration of the larva-adult cycle of L. (N.) azevedoi fed with T. citricida, A.woglumi or Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) (as control) was 34 days, a value that was significantly shorter than that of predators fed with B. brassicae (37.7 days; P < 0.0001). The survivorship of the immature stages of L. (N.) azevedoi were generally 100%, but fell to 88% when larvae were fed with B. brassicae. The predator exhibited type II functional response curves to increased densities of B. brassicae and T. citricida. Third instar larvae displayed superior predatory ability compared with their second instar counterparts as shown by their higher search rates and shorter handling times. It is concluded that B. brassicae, T. citricida and A. woglumi provide suitable diets for L. (N.) azevedoi, suggesting that the predator has potential for the biological control of these pests.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Nivia da Silva Dias-Pini

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aphis citricidus
	Aleurocanthus woglumi
Leucochrysa azevedoi (predator)	Aphis citricidus
Leucochrysa azevedoi (predator)	Aleurocanthus woglumi