Phytoparasitica (2001) 29, 69-70

Liora Shaltiel, M. Coll and M. Barkely (2001)
Spatial population dynamics of the omnivore Anthocoris nemoralis: The effect of host plants and prey
Phytoparasitica 29 (1), 69-70
18th Conference of the Entomological Society of Israel, May 18, 2000, Bet Dagan, Israel, lecture
Abstract: Migration among habitats is of great importance in determining the structure of populations and ecosystems, yet little is known about the factors involved in the process of abandoning a habitat and choosing a new one. Although most ecological models base decisions concerning movement between habitats on the predator's chance of locating prey, of late there has been increased recognition of the effect of vegetation on the behavior of predator populations. In recent years it has become apparent that many species of natural enemies, once considered exclusively predaceous, feed also on plants. The interrelationships between the omnivore and its habitat are thus characterized by decoupling of the dynamics between the natural enemy and its prey. Further complexity is added to the system by the fact that many omnivores utilize host plants not only as a source of food, but for oviposition and shelter as well. We are examining the importance of various biotic factors for the population dynamics of Anthocoris nemoralis, and their influence on its movements among host plants during the course of the season. The research is aimed at understanding the contribution of host plant and prey characteristics (species and density) to the spatial dynamics of the omnivorous predator population. Such understanding will increase our ability to establish A. nemoralis in agroecosystems and improve its effectiveness in controlling the pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola. The study is being conducted in Upper Galilee, where the experimental framework encompasses four species of trees and their natural fauna: four species of psylla (one species per tree type), various herbivores, a number of generalist predators, and the omnivore A. nemoralis. The research includes field observations, laboratory experiments and biochemical analysis of A. nemoralis. We presented data showing a link between ovipositional preference of the A. nemoralis females and both their nutritional status on various plants and population dynamics on the four types of trees examined.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Liora Shaltiel-Harpaz

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Cacopsylla pyricola		Israel
Anthocoris nemoralis (predator)	Cacopsylla pyricola		Israel