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Choice behavior of the generalist pentatomid predator Podisus maculiventris when offered lepidopteran larvae infected with an entomopathogenic fungus

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Abstract

To understand the practical application of entomopathogenic fungi and predatory insects in an integrated pest management program, it is necessary to investigate the compatibility of biocontrol agents occupying the same niche. The objectives of our research were to understand the response behavior of the predatory spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) exposed to volatiles from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). We assessed the predator’s behavior when presented with B. bassiana-infected lepidopteran prey and determined the volatile profile of B. bassiana spores. Choice behavior of P. maculiventris nymphs towards B. bassiana-infected (non-sporulating and sporulating) versus uninfected larval fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was determined in choice arenas. The predator nymphs more frequently chose the uninfected prey and avoided fungus-infected prey. Of five P. maculiventris nymphs that fed on non-sporulating fungus-infected prey, four molted to adulthood, and the time required to molt to adult was similar to that of nymphs that fed on uninfected prey. In Y-tube olfactometer choice assays, 65% of the nymphs (26/40) avoided potato dextrose agar plugs containing B. bassiana and preferred clean agar plugs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry analysis showed that the primary volatile chemicals emitted from B. bassiana spores were 2-ethylhexanol and 2-methyl-1-butanol. Applications of B. bassiana combined with releases of P. maculiventris may be a viable option for pest management in the field.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Christine Richardson and Wayne Hunter for their preliminary research contribution and Katherine Kamminga for her technical assistance.

Funding

Funding was provided by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS Contract #024409) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Multi-State Hatch Research Project # FLA-IRC-005729).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology and Nematology, Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, 2199 South Rock Road, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34945, USA

    Pasco B. Avery, Emily B. Duren, Janet S. Dawson & Ronald D. Cave

  2. Department of Entomology and Nematology, Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, USA

    Justin George

  3. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2001 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945, USA

    Justin George & Larry Markle

  4. Department of Entomology and Nematology, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, IFAS, 155 Research Road, Quincy, FL, 32351, USA

    Xavier Martini

  5. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA

    Amy L. Rowley & Robert L. Meagher Jr.

  6. Entomology Solutions, 1100 Logan Street, Louisville, KY, 40204, USA

    Rachel E. Barger

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  1. Pasco B. Avery
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  2. Justin George
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  3. Larry Markle
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Contributions

PBA originally formulated the idea; PBA, JG, LM, and XM conceived and designed the experiments; PBA, JG, LM, XM, ALR, REB, EBD, and JSD performed the experiments; PBA, JG, LM, and XM analyzed the data; PBA, JG, LM, and XM wrote the manuscript; PBA, XM, RLM, and RDC provided supervision during the experiments; PBA, and RDC acquired funding for this study; all authors edited and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Pasco B. Avery.

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Avery, P.B., George, J., Markle, L. et al. Choice behavior of the generalist pentatomid predator Podisus maculiventris when offered lepidopteran larvae infected with an entomopathogenic fungus. BioControl 67, 201–211 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-021-10124-4

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