Abstract
The use of natural enemies represents an important strategy in programs of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Asopinae predators are reared with alternative prey, but supplementary plant may enhance the fecundity and longevity of their females. The objective of this research was to evaluate the development and reproduction of the predator Brontocoris tabidus Signoret, 1852 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed with Tenebrio molitor L., 1785 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) pupae in a Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden (Myrtaceae) plant in the field. The duration and survival of the nymphal stage of B. tabidus were 32.07 ± 8.95 days and 77.00 ± 0.42%, respectively with 15.55 ± 8.19 egg masses, 603.00 ± 379.20 eggs and 387.45 ± 291.40 nymphs per female of this predator while longevity of its males and females was 119.80 ± 32.80 and 160.20 ± 42.13 days, respectively. Better results with E. grandis plant in the field and the fact that B. tabidus will be adapted at release time show that this predator should be reared in these conditions.
Highlights
The adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduces problems such as pest resistance and the impact of pesticides on natural enemies [1,2,3]
The aim of this research was to investigate the rearing of Brontocoris tabidus Signoret, 1852 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed with T. molitor pupae associated to Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden (Myrtaceae) plant in field conditions
The B. tabidus had five instars on E. grandis plant, with similar results for this predator fed with an artificial diet based on beef meat and liver and/or T. molitor pupae [19]
Summary
The adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduces problems such as pest resistance and the impact of pesticides on natural enemies [1,2,3]. Biological control is an important tactic in IPM programs for handling pathogens and arthropods, including the Pentatomidae, a predatory bug species in reforested areas [4] where the defenses in plants can be beneficial [5], harmful or have no impact [6] on natural enemies. Podisus nigrispinus Dallas, 1851 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) had shorter duration of nymphal stage with Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) caterpillars, except in the fourth instar, when fed on cotton and tomato plants and prey than when they were fed only with prey [9]. The availability of cotton or weeds reduced the impact of the shortage of prey in the partial duration, viability and nymphal stages of this predator, but it has not reached sexual maturation and not oviposited without prey [10,11]
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