Abundance patterns of predatory bugs, Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and their some insect preys on winter faba bean with different planting dates in Adana province, Turkey

Abstract

Population densities of predatory bugs, Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and their insects preys on faba bean were investigated in Adana province of Turkey in two growing seasons, 2007/08 and 2008/09. Faba bean was planted on 10 October, 25 October, 10 December and on 25 December. Insect species were sampled by beating the plants vigorously into a white plastic container. Leafhopper complex species [Asymmetrasca decedens (Paoli) and Empoasca decipiens Paoli] (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and pea aphid, Acrytosiphum pisum (Haris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were more abundant insect in late plantings in December. Orius spp. [Orius niger (Wolff) ve Orius laevigatus (Fieber)] were the main predacious insects. Orius spp. were significantly more abundant on the early-planted beans in January-February, but later, Orius adults moved to late- planted plots, especially plots planted on 10 December when plants were bearing high numbers of flowers at that period. Although significant and positive relationships between Orius spp. and aphid populations were detected only in plots with the latest planting date, but this relationship had no more contribution to abundance of Orius spp. It is commented that Orius spp. benefited more from the faba bean plants for plant meal, shelter, mating and ovipositon sites than from insect prey species. Finally, it would better to cultivate faba bean in late October (preferentially, on 25 October) in the eastern Mediterranean region conditions, due to plants having low abundance of main pests and high abundance of the predators, and also high numbers of fruiting parts.