The predatory mirid Dicyphus maroccanus as a new potential biological control agent in tomato crops

摘要: The first record of the omnivorous predator Dicyphus maroccanus Wagner (Hemiptera: Miridae) inhabiting tomato crops in Valencia region (East Coast Spain) was 2009. Since then, D. has often been found preying on eggs Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) this area. To evaluate predator’s potential as a biological control agent, its life-history traits presence and absence prey [(eggs Ephestia kuehniella Zeller Pyralidae)] plants were studied under laboratory conditions. Immature stages that preyed E. developed successfully. However, no nymph completed development plant without addition eggs. reach adulthood, male female nymphs consumed 267 312 eggs, respectively. net reproductive rate (R0) estimated to be 34.52 per female, generation time (T) 40.48 days, intrinsic increase (rm) 0.0868 females day at 25 °C. In second experiment, capacity detect infested or not with T. using Y-tube olfactometer. Female strongly attracted odor absoluta-infested plants. third investigated extended significantly reduced number leaves over 90 % cases relative These results suggest could play significant role management. zoophytophagous biocontrol agent is discussed.