Anthocoris nemoralis: a new ally in the conservation biological control of the anthophagous generation of the olive pest Prays oleae

Authors

  • Daniel Paredes
  • Iván Batuecas
  • Luis Cayuela
  • Mercedes Campos
Keywords: Chemical ecology, Euphyllura olivina, Habitat management, Predation

Abstract

Within an agroecological approach, conservation biological control is shown to be the most optimal option for controlling pests. However, it is necessary to know the behaviour of the most effective natural enemies to design appropriate strategies for each crop. In the case of olive, recent research highlights Anthocoris nemoralis as one of the biological control agents that may be more effective in the fight against the anthophagous generation of Prays oleae. The enhancement and conservation of natural vegetation adjacent to the crop can increase their populations, as this insect overwinters in this type of vegetation and then colonize the olive grove where a second generation develops. In the same way, high abundance of the secondary pest Euphyllura olivina may increase the biological control of this predator on P. oleae. The literature reports a great attraction of A. nemoralis to psyllids as E. olivina probably mediated by volatile substances that olive produces. However, neonates of the second generation would only consume eggs of P. oleae due to its small size, thereby reducing the abundance of this pest.

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Published
24-07-2017
How to Cite
Paredes, D., Batuecas, I., Cayuela, L., & Campos, M. (2017). Anthocoris nemoralis: a new ally in the conservation biological control of the anthophagous generation of the olive pest Prays oleae. Agroecology, 9, 79–84. Retrieved from https://revistas.um.es/agroecologia/article/view/300641
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Artículos