Ecobiology of Anaphothrips obscurus, a new dweller of citrus orchards brought in by more sustainable pest management practices
1 The abundance and frequency of Anaphothrips obscurus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) increased in a cover of Festuca arundinacea (Poaceae) when this plant was used to improve the biological control of the clementine key pest Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). 2 To unveil the ecological role of...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Language: | Inglés |
| Published: |
2019
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11939/6213 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/afe.12233 |
| Summary: | 1 The abundance and frequency of Anaphothrips obscurus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) increased in a cover of Festuca arundinacea (Poaceae) when this plant was used to improve the biological control of the clementine key pest Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). 2 To unveil the ecological role of A. obscurus in this system, we re-explored field data and performed laboratory studies aiming to determine its demographic parameters and feeding habits, as well as its role as a prey of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) occurring in the Spanish citrus agreoecosystem. 3 Field studies indicate that T. urticae populations decreased, whereas those of A. obscurus and phytoseiids, as a whole, increased. 4 Reproductive and demographic parameters of macropterous and brachypterous morphs of A. obscurus were different and confirmed the host status of F. arundinacea. 5 Anaphothrips obscurus could compete with T. urticae as a result of its higher intrinsic rate of increase in F. arundinacea. However, A. obscurus zoophagy on T. urticae eggs and the host status of citrus can be discarded. 6 Anaphothrips obscurus can be a prey for Euseius stipulatus, Neoseiulus barkeri and Neoseiulus californicus (three phytoseiids preying on T. urticae), suggesting that apparent competition between A. obscurus and T. urticae could occur in citrus orchards. |
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