Author(s): SCHEUNEMANN, T.; KRÜGER, A. P.; GARCEZ, A. M.; VIEIRA, J. G. A.; BERNARDI, D.; NAVA, D. E.

Summary: Palpita forficifera Munroe, 1959 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the main pest of the olive tree (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) in Brazil. We observed the stink bug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) predating larvae of P. forficifera in olive orchards. Therefore, the aim of this study was to register the occurrence of this predator in olive orchards as well as verify the predation of nymphs of P. nigrispinus when offered different numbers of P. forficifera larvae. In laboratory bioassays, it was verified that duration (days) of insects of 4th and 5th instars of P. nigripinus was prolonged when fewer larvae were offered (Dietary regime 1). The average consumtion of 3rd instar larvae of P. forficifera per instar of P. nigrispinus was superior for the dietary regime 2, where there was a greater availability of preys, resulting in a higher total consumption of larvae of P. forficifera over time. In addition, in the availability of larger quantities of P. forficifera larvae, adults of P. nigrispinus showed a higher weight gain. The sex ratio was not affected by dieraty contition. This study reports the first occurrence of nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus predating larvae of P. forficifera in field, and shows the predation potential of P. nigrispinus in larvae of P. forficifera, demonstrating the importance of preserving this natural enemy in olive orchards.

Publication year: 2021

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Temperate Agriculture

Keywords: Olea Europaea, Oliveira, Palpita forficifera, Percevejo, Podisus nigrispinus