Nitrogen fertiliser affects the functional response and prey consumption of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on cereal aphids

摘要: Predator–prey interactions are influenced by nitrogen availability. Wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Solstice) plants were provided with four levels of and examined the responses coccinellid predator, Harmonia axyridis to cereal aphids, Rhopalosiphum padi Sitobion avenae. Increased application improved contents also body weight aphids feeding on them. In no-choice trials, H. consumed more low fertilised plants, suggesting a compensatory consumption overcome reduced biomass (lower aphid size). Total devoured all fertiliser treatments was not statistically different. Logistic regression analysis proportion prey demonstrated that developmental stages (larval adult) exhibited type II functional response treatments. The rate successful search (a′) third fourth instars adults same across fertilisation did affect a′. Maximum handling time for first R. (3.81 h−1) S. avenae (4.59 highest treatment while minimum (0.20 lowest treatment. Handling varied at varying within affected predator's efficiency. curve, provide information needed understand predator–prey interaction between these cereals aphids. This could lead development better strategy biological control any particular level regime in field crops.