Asymmetrical intraguild predation between natural enemies of the citrus mealybug |
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Authors: | Vasiliki T Gkounti Matilda Savopoulou‐Soultani Panagiotis G Milonas |
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Institution: | 1. Faculty of Agriculture, Laboratory of Applied Zoology and Parasitology, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, , 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;2. Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, , 14561 Kifisia, Greece |
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Abstract: | The ability of a predator to discriminate against parasitized prey determines the extent of asymmetrical intraguild predation, which is often crucial for the outcome of biological control. Anagyrus nr. pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), suffers from intraguild predation by coccinellids occurring in the same habitat. The level of intraguild predation on A. nr. pseudococci by Nephus includens (Kirsch) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at different immature stages has been investigated with and without simultaneous offer of extraguild prey. Larvae of A. nr. pseudococci appeared to face increased intraguild predation at early developmental stages, whereas mummification provided adequate protection against the predatory coccinellid. Different predation levels on unparasitized vs. parasitized hosts at various developmental stages in choice assays indicated that N. includens preferences might be determined not solely by palatability of the prey but also by its ability to protect itself. |
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Keywords: | biological control coincidental IGP Anagyrus nr pseudococci
Nephus includens
Coccinellidae Encyrtidae Pseudococcidae Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Planococcus citri
Hemiptera |
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