aboriginal to North America , the zoophytophagous specie , Dicyphus hesperus(Hemiptera : Miridae ) , is an invaluable tool in integrated plague direction ( IPM ) as a beneficial worm . Feeding both on animals and plants , it has a special appetite for whiteflies , including the Greenhouse whitefly ( Trialeurodes vaporariorum ) and Tobacco whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci ) . While it also prey on two - spotted spider hint ( Tetranychus urticae ) , thrip , aphid , and moth egg , its part in pest control is more than just depredation .
" surfer " on sticky plants : trichome adaptationOne of the most remarkable trait ofD. Hesperusis its ability to sail glandular trichomes — sticky , hair - like structures found on plants like tomatoes that typically entrap louse . " Unlike many marauder that struggle with these sticky surfaces , D. hesperushas developed a alone ability to ' surf ' across them , " excuse Dr. Omid Joharchi of Anatis Bioprotection . " Its legs and torso are adjust to nullify get trap , allowing it to move freely and reach prey that other predators can not . "
Tracking quarry through chemical cuesD. hesperus is a highly sensitive predator that use explosive organic compounds ( VOCs ) emit by plant life under attack to locate its prey . " plant free specific chemical distress signal when whiteflies and other pests feed on them , " says Dr. Joharchi . " D. hesperuscan detect these VOCs and place in on areas of in high spirits pest activity . In a path , it acts as a ' pest whisperer , ' follow the plant ’s own communication organization to track its prey . "
Using honeydew melon as a food sourceD. hesperusalso can apply honeydew , the sugary excreta bring forth by pestilence like aphids and whitefly . " While its basal role is depredation , D. hesperuscan down honeydew when prey is scarce , " Dr. Joharchi excuse . " This behavior ensures its survival during periods of low pest populations . It almost office like a ' farmer ' by managing blighter numbers just enough to keep a steady food provision without annihilate them . "
Egg cannibalism for survivalD. hesperusexhibits another strange selection scheme in challenging condition : egg cannibalism . " grownup female person may consume their own or others ' ball to regain essential nutrients , " Dr. Joharchi notes . " This fall out in particular when target is scarce or environmental conditions are harsh . Beyond being a survival mechanism , this conduct helps modulate population tightness , preventing overpopulation and excessive resource rivalry . "
A bioindicator of plant health"Observing the body process ofD. hesperusin greenhouses can render valuable insights for raiser , " says Dr. Joharchi . " When plants experience tension due to pests or disease , D. hesperusbecomes more participating in its search for prey . This think of that monitor their behavior can offer former admonition of possible plant health issues . "
Effective distribution and integration strategiesFor optimal control of whitefly and other pestilence , D. hesperusshould be introduced at pace of 0.5 - 2 per square measure per hebdomad , with validation taking at least six weeks . " When whitefly population are low , supplementing with alternative nutrient sources , such as frozen moth nut ( Ephestia kuehniella ) , can raise organisation , " Dr. Joharchi advise .
D. hesperusalso mold well in combination with other biological control agent . " Pairing it with parasitic wasps like Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus ameliorate whitefly direction , " explains Dr. Joharchi . " Additionally , banker flora such as mullein ( Verbascum thapsus ) provide a habitat whereD. hesperuscan feed and procreate . For stark infestations , releasing groups of 100 grownup in targeted country and allow for a unwavering supplying of frigid moth eggs can be highly in force . "
Using versatility to your advantageThe lesser - known view ofD. hesperushighlight its versatility and importance beyond simple pestis control condition . " Its ability to adjust to unlike intellectual nourishment sources , navigate complex environs , and wage in sophisticated survival strategies have it an all-important constituent of modern structured pestilence direction systems , " concludes Dr. Joharchi . " By understanding these unparalleled traits , growers can harness the full likely ofD. hesperusto conserve sizable crops while reduce reliance on chemical pesticides . "
References for scientific information : Gillespie , D. R. , and McGregor , R. R. ( 2000 ) . The Functions and Impact of Zoophytophagous Predators in Biological Control : A Review . " Proceedings of the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants , 23(1 ) , 153 - 159 .
McGregor , R. R. , and Gillespie , D. R. ( 2005 ) . Development and Survival of the Zoophytophagous Predator Dicyphus hesperus on dissimilar Host Plant Species . Biocontrol Science and Technology , 15(7 ) , 721 - 733 .
Brodeur , J. , and Cloutier , C. ( 2002 ) . shock of Glandular Trichomes on Herbivores and Predators : A Review . Environmental Entomology , 31(5 ) , 1196 - 1208 .
Dicke , M. , and Baldwin , I. T. ( 2010 ) . The Evolutionary Context for Herbivore - Induced Plant Volatiles : Beyond the ' Cry for Help ' . Trends in Plant Science , 15(3 ) , 167 - 175 .
Hogervorst , P. A. M. , Wäckers , F. L. , and Romeis , J. ( 2007 ) . Honeydew as a Food Source for Dicyphus Vesper : Its Effect on Survival , Development , and Egg Laying . Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata , 124(3 ) , 191 - 200 .
Montserrat , M. , and Bas , C. ( 2013 ) . Cannibalism Among Eggs of the Zoophytophagous Predator Dicyphus tamaninii and Its Relationship with Food Availability . Journal of Insect Behavior , 26(4 ) , 511 - 525 .
Gillespie , D. R. , and Quiring , D. T. ( 2007 ) . Predator Activity as an Indicator of Pest Problems in Greenhouse Crops . Biocontrol Science and Technology , 17(3 ) , 229 - 238 .
Gillespie , D. R. , and Raworth , D. A. ( 2004 ) . Biological Control of Whitefly on Greenhouse Tomatoes Using the Predator Dicyphus hesperus . Biocontrol Science and Technology , 14(5 ) , 465 - 471 .
For more information : Anatis Bioprotectionanatisbioprotection.com
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