Environmental Entomology (2011) 40, 333-341

Freddy Miranda, Helena Bylund, Lina Grönberg, Linda Larsson and Christer Björkman (2011)
Population density and killing capacity by predators of eggs and larvae of the diamondback moth in Nicaragua
Environmental Entomology 40 (2), 333-341
Abstract: The diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a serious pest of economically important brassica crops such as cabbage (Brassica oleracea Linne). To address the current lack of baseline information concerning predators of P. xylostella, and their potential role as biological control agents, especially in Central America, we aimed to 1) identify predators in northern Nicaragua, and estimate their population densities; 2) assess their killing rate of eggs and larvae of P. xylostella; and 3) assess if predators feed more of smaller P. xylostella larvae. Individuals of selected predator groups were offered eggs, second- or third-instar larvae. Our results indicate that there exists a broad spectrum of predators, within and around cabbage fields in Nicaragua that have the capacity to feed on P. xylostella eggs and larvae under laboratory conditions. Predators with the highest killing rates were adult and larval rove beetles (Staphylinidae), sheet weaving spiders (Linyphiidae), and larger jumping spiders (Salticidae). Although all predator densities varied in space and time the consistently most abundant predator groups with the highest consumption or killing rate, and consequently the highest potential for suppressing P. xylostella populations were wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and rove beetles (Staphylinidae), although sheet weaving spiders, jumping spiders, assassin bugs (Reduviidae), and damsel bugs (Nabidae) also can be important. We conclude that those generalist predators exhibiting the highest killing rates in the laboratory should be considered for further study in the field as candidate species with a role in the management of pest P. xylostella.
(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): Christer Björkman

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
surveys/distribution/isolation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Plutella xylostella		Nicaragua