Abstract
Although insect predators [Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot), Scolothrips takahashii Priesner, Oligota spp. and Stethorus spp.] play a role in controlling spider mites, it is difficult to collect insect predators directly under field conditions. To prove the suitability of a plant trap for collecting the predators, we investigated the efficiency of potted komatsuna (Brassica rapa L.) and kidney-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants inhabited by Tetranychus urticae Koch, using as novel and conventional plant traps respectively, for collecting living insect predators. Large numbers of predators were found on these traps placed in a kudzu vine community [Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa and Pradeep] despite being observed in low densities under the naked eye in the weed community. Significantly higher survival rates (99.5–100 %) were obtained when collecting them from komatsuna traps than those (26.6–61.1 %) obtained with kidney-bean traps due to predators’ entrapment by the hooked trichomes on bean leaves. These results indicate that the komatsuna trap is suitable for collecting living insect predators, even when predators are rarely or not observed directly under the naked eye. We also showed that the komatsuna trap is effective for collecting a parasitoid (Aphanogmus sp.) of F. acarisuga.
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Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Junichiro Abe (NARO Western Region Agricultural Research Center, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan) in identifying F. acarisuga; Drs. Atsushi Mochizuki and Koji Yasuda (National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan) for offering us use of the tea field for the trap experiments; and Ms. Yumiko Togashi and Yoshiko Ishimura for rearing the spider mites and growing the plants. This research was financially supported by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries through a research project titled “Development of technologies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries” and by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 26450070.
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13355_2015_393_MOESM1_ESM.pptx
ESM 1. Komatsuna trap with spider mites is suitable for collecting living insect predators and parasitoids of Feltiella larvae. Adult parasitoid (Aphanogmus sp.) emerges from a host cocoon. (PPTX 2134 kb)
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Shimoda, T., Matsuo, K., Yara, K. et al. A simple plant trap for collecting acariphagous insect predators and their parasitoids. Appl Entomol Zool 51, 233–240 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355-015-0393-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355-015-0393-0