Experimental and Applied Acarology (2007) 43, 199-204

Zahedi-Golpayeganim Azadeh, Alireza Saboori and Maurice W. Sabelis (2007)
Olfactory response of the predator Zetzellia mali to a prey patch occupied by a conspecific predator
Experimental and Applied Acarology 43 (3), 199-204
Abstract: While searching for food, predators may use volatiles associated with their prey, but also with their competitors for prey. This was tested for the case of Zetzellia mali (Ewing) (Acari: Stigmaeidae), an important predator of the hawthorn spider mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher) (Acari: Tetranychidae), in black-cherry orchards in Baraghan, Iran. Using a Y-tube olfactometer, the response of this predatory mite was tested to odour from black-cherry leaves with a conspecific female predatory mite, either with or without a female of the hawthorn spider mite when the alternative odour came from black-cherry leaves with the hawthorn spider mite only. Female predators avoided odours from leaves with both a hawthorn spider mite and a conspecific predator, as well as leaves with a conspecific predator only. We discuss whether avoidance emerges in response to cues from the competitor/predator, the herbivore/prey or the herbivore-damaged plant.
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Database assignments for author(s): Maurice W. Sabelis, Alireza Saboori

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Amphitetranychus viennensis	Cherry (Prunus avium - Prunus cerasus)	Iran
Zetzellia mali (predator)	Amphitetranychus viennensis	Cherry (Prunus avium - Prunus cerasus)	Iran