Rearing the Predator Brontocoris tabidus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) with Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Pupa on Eucalyptus grandis in the Field

José C. Zanuncio, Ana M. R. M. Ferreira, Wagner S. Tavares, Jorge B. Torres, José E. Serrão, Teresinha V. Zanuncio

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DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2011.23052                

Abstract

The use of natural enemies represents an important strategy in programs of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Asopinae predators are reared with alternative prey, but supplementary plant may enhance the fecundity and longevity of their females. The objective of this research was to evaluate the development and reproduction of the predator Brontocoris tabidus Signoret, 1852 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed with Tenebrio molitor L., 1785 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) pupae in a Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden (Myrtaceae) plant in the field. The duration and survival of the nymphal stage of B. tabidus were 32.07 ± 8.95 days and 77.00 ± 0.42%, respectively with 15.55 ± 8.19 egg masses, 603.00 ± 379.20 eggs and 387.45 ± 291.40 nymphs per female of this predator while longevity of its males and females was 119.80 ± 32.80 and 160.20 ± 42.13 days, respectively. Better results with E. grandis plant in the field and the fact that B. tabidus will be adapted at release time show that this predator should be reared in these conditions.

Keywords

Asopinae, Insect-Plant Interactions, Integrated Pest Management, Rearing Predators, Supplementary Food

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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