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Predation potential of Rhynocoris marginatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against three mealybug species of agricultural importance

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Abstract

The predation potential of a generalist predator Rhynocoris marginatus (Fab.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against three important mealybug pests of cotton, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, and Coccidohystrix insolita Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The specific objective of the study was to determine the prey capturing time, prey handling time, and prey preference among the three mealybug species for different developmental stages of R. marginatus. The number of prey consumed/predator/24 h by R. marginatus was dependent on the mealybug species and the predator developmental stage. Rhynocoris marginatus showed a decrease in prey capturing time and handling time as the predator grew older. After evaluating the prey stage preference, results indicated that the developmental stages of R. marginatus preferred adult mealybugs over the younger stages. In a choice-test bioassay including the three mealybug species, no significant difference in prey species selection was observed for the various R. marginatus developmental stages. However, the mortality of P. solenopsis was observed to be highest among the mealybugs, followed by M. hirsutus and C. insolita. This supports the idea that R. marginatus can be effectively utilized for the management of one of the most destructive mealybug pests of cotton, P. solenopsis. Results from this study are important for the development of a knowledge-based management program for cotton agroecosystems affected by various mealybug pests.

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Change history

  • 14 September 2018

    In the original publication of the article, the name of the corresponding author was published incorrectly as “Sahayaraj Kitherian”. The correct name is “Kitherian Sahayaraj”.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to MEF, New Delhi (ref. no.23-1/2008-RE) for their financial assistance, and to the management of the St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, for providing the necessary laboratory facilities and support to complete this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Crop Protection Research Centre, St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, 627 002, India

    Sahayaraj Kitherian, Nazeera Banu & Anbu Radhika

  2. Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 2725, South Binion Road, Apopka, FL, 32703, USA

    Vivek Kumar & Lance S. Osborne

  3. Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945, USA

    Pasco B. Avery

  4. US Horticultural Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945, USA

    Cindy L. McKenzie

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  1. Sahayaraj Kitherian
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Correspondence to Sahayaraj Kitherian.

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Kitherian, S., Kumar, V., Banu, N. et al. Predation potential of Rhynocoris marginatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against three mealybug species of agricultural importance. Appl Entomol Zool 53, 475–482 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355-018-0576-6

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