Journal of Insect Science (2003) 3 (33), p. 14 (Mansfield)

Sarah Mansfield (2003)
Key predators of Helicoverpa armigera in Australian cotton crops
Journal of Insect Science 3 (33), 14-14
XIII International Entomophagous Insects Workshop - July 27-31, 2003, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A.
Abstract: Australian cotton crops have a significant community of native insect predators with potential to control the key pest Helicoverpa armigera. The abundance of predatory arthropods increases over the growing season (November to February) when the use of broad-spectrum insecticides is avoided. The rising costs of chemical control and widespread development of insecticide resistance have led to increased interest in conservation biological control. However for biological control to be successful, the key predators of H. armigera must be identified and their impact on pest populations measured. The development of a serological test (ELISA) to detect predation on H. armigera eggs and larvae has played a major role in this process. Protocols have been developed for a predatory beetle, Dicranolaius bellulus (Melyridae), and the predatory bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Reduviidae). Predators were collected from commercial cotton farms in northern NSW during the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons and predation of H. armigera quantified for D. bellulus. This technique will be extended to additional predator species in the future.
Database assignments for author(s): Sarah Mansfield

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.
	Helicoverpa armigera	Cotton (Gossypium)
Pristhesancus plagipennis (predator)	Helicoverpa armigera	Cotton (Gossypium)
Dicranolaius bellulus (predator)	Helicoverpa armigera	Cotton (Gossypium)