Predatory functional response and fitness parameters of <i>Orius strigicollis</i> Poppius when fed <i>Bemisia tabaci</i> and <i>Trialeurodes vaporariorum</i> as determined by age-stage, two-sex life table

Abstract

The results showed a type II functional response for each life stage of <i>O.</i> <i>strigicollis</i> when fed each whitefly species. The calculated prey handling time for different <i>O. strigicollis</i> life stages were shorter when fed <i>T. vaporariorum</i> than when fed <i>B. tabaci</i> nymphs. In contrast, the nymphal development of <i>O. strigicollis</i> was significantly shorter when fed <i>B. tabaci</i> than <i>T. vaporariorum</i> nymphs. Additionally, the total pre-oviposition period of adult females was statistically shorter when fed <i>B. tabaci</i> nymphs than <i>T. vaporariorum</i> nymphs. Furthermore, the survival rates and total fecundity of <i>O. strigicollis</i> were higher when fed <i>B. tabaci</i> than <i>T. vaporariorum</i>. There were no significant differences in any population parameters of <i>O. strigicollis</i> when fed either whitefly species. These results show that <i>O. strigicollis</i> could survive and maintain its populations on both species of whitefly and could therefore serve as a biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM).