Feeding preference of Thaumastocoris peregrinus on several Eucalyptus species and the relationship with the profile of terpenes in their essential oils

Abstract

The feeding preference by Thaumastocoris peregrinus, Carpintero and Dellape (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae) on different Eucalyptus species was evaluated through choice tests in a paired comparisons design. Twenty individuals per combination were tested over a 48 h period, and each one was offered leaves of two species at a time, in all possible combinations. Preference was determined by counting the number of insect excrements on each plant as a proxy for effective feeding, and then ranked through a paired comparison matrix. A linearity index was calculated to test for hierarchy preferences and, after that, a cardinal index (David’s score) was calculated to assign a preference value for each species. The essential oils were extracted from leaves of each Eucalyptus species, and their chemical composition determined through GC-MS. The results show a significant and strictly linear feeding preference ranking between the species tested. The order of preference between species was E. viminalis > E. grandis > E. tereticornis > E. dunnii > E. maidenii > E. globulus. The qualitative and quantitative chemical compositions of the essential oils of these Eucalyptus species differed. A significant correlation was found between the feeding preferences and the concentrations of 1,8-cineole as a repellent and p-cymene as a feeding stimulant. These results underline the importance of selecting the right Eucalyptus species in areas infested by T. peregrinus.