Intraguild predation and competitive displacement between Nesidiocoris tenuis and Dicyphus maroccanus, two biological control agents in tomato pests.

摘要: Dicyphus maroccanus Wagner and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) are 2 biological control agents in tomatoes. Through the crop seasons, a natural shift occurrence of both mirids favor N. has been observed at end cropping cycle eastern Spain. To better optimize their conservation, reasons for change, such as intraguild interactions (IGP) or influence environmental conditions, worth elucidating. do this, we first studied IGP adult females on heterospecific nymphs laboratory. We next exploitative competition between adults each species when feeding Ephestia kueniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs Finally, to analyze competitive displacement mirids, conducted semifield experiment which predators were released together. All experiments temperature regimes (20 25°C). Adult-to-nymph occurred only 25 oC very low levels, showing that attacked consumed greater proportion nymphs. was competitor than D. shared prey presence its nymph oC. In showed advantage over temperatures. conclude there is not direct interference species, however, ability outcompete, since it best adapted higher temperatures able remove food sources maroccanus.