Pest Management Science (2016) 72, 272-279

Priscila Gomez-Polo, Oscar Alomar, Cristina Castañé, Thaïs Aznar-Fernández, Jonathan G. Lundgren, Josep Piñol and Nuria Agustí (2016)
Understanding trophic interactions of Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in lettuce crops by molecular methods
Pest Management Science 72 (2), 272-279
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are common pests in Mediterranean lettuce crops, where Orius spp. are common generalist predators. Predation by Orius spp. was studied in a lettuce plot by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR analyses using specific primers of both main pests. Also, high-throughput sequencing was used to have a wider approach of the diet of these predators in natural field conditions.
RESULTS
Molecular analyses indicated a higher predation on N. ribisnigri in spring and on F. occidentalis in summer. Predation on alternative prey, like Collembola, was also found in both seasons. Real-time PCR was more sensitive than conventional PCR in showing the target trophic links, whereas high-throughput sequencing revealed predation on other natural enemies – intraguild predation (IGP), showing other trophic interactions of Orius majusculus within the studied ecosystem.
CONCLUSIONS
This study gives important information about the trophic relationships present in Mediterranean lettuce crops in different periods of the year. The detected predation by Orius spp. on alternative prey, as well as on other natural enemies, should be further investigated to clarify whether it adds or detracts to the biological control of N. ribisnigri and F. occidentalis.
(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): Nuria Agusti, Jonathan G. Lundgren, Oscar Alomar, Thaïs Aznar-Fernández, Cristina Castañe

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.
	Frankliniella occidentalis	Lettuce (Lactuca)
	Nasonovia ribisnigri	Lettuce (Lactuca)
Orius majusculus (predator)	Frankliniella occidentalis	Lettuce (Lactuca)
Orius majusculus (predator)	Nasonovia ribisnigri	Lettuce (Lactuca)