Predator-prey interactions between predatory bug Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on faba bean in two diverse habitats

Abstract :

Field experiments were established in two ecologically diverse areas (polyculture and triculture) in the same agricultural landscape in the Research and Application Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Çukurova, Balcalı in seasons; 2005 and 2006 in which prey-predator interactions between predatory bugs, Orius spp. and their prey, western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on faba bean was evaluated. Orius niger (Wollf) was found to be the most prevalent predatory insect species in both habitats. F.occidentalis and Orius species were mainly collected from the flowers of faba bean in both location and years. Densities of both insect species were relatively greater in polyculture area than those numbers found in triculture. Numbers of F. occidentalis and Orius spp. were greater in polyculture in both years. Population trends of Orius spp in abundance were significantly related to the population patterns of F. occidentalis in both habitats in both years (P<0.05). Ratios of prey: predator (thrips: Orius) were found to be lower as less than 0.25 thripsper Orius on faba bean in both habitats, indicating that Orius was an effective predator of pest thrips species. Furthermore, faba bean were found to be more useful in conservation and augmentation of Orius spp. in winter time


Keyword :

Prey-predator interactions, Orius spp., Frankliniella occidentalis, abundance, faba bean


Author(s) : Atakan, E., Malik, A. A. Y.
Downloads : 706
Published Issue : 2018 Vol. 13 Number 1


2018 Vol. 13 Number 1