Albizia Research Articles

Evaluation of antifungal potentials of Albizia kalkora extract as a natural fungicide: In vitro and computational studies

The antifungal bioactivity potential of the organic extract of silk tree (Albizia kalkora) was investigated in the current study. The crude extracts of A. kalkora and methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions were prepared. The antifungal activity of obtained fractions of A. kalkora was studied at different concentrations ranging from 0.39-50 µg/mL. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was taken as a toxicity control, whereas thiophanate methyl (TM) as a positive control. All the fractions significantly reduced the FOL growth (methanolic: 9.49–94.93 %, n-hexane: 11.12–100 %, chloroform: 20.96–91.41 %, and ethyl acetate: 18.75–96.70 %). The n-hexane fraction showed 6.25 µg/mL MIC as compared to TM with 64 µg/mL MIC. The non-polar (n-hexane) fraction showed maximum antifungal bioactivity against FOL in comparison with chloroform, methanol, and ethyl acetate fractions. GC/MS analysis exhibited that the n-hexane fraction contained hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, methyl stearate, and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid. The results of in vitro antifungal inhibition were further reinforced by molecular docking analysis. Five virulence proteins of FOL i.e., pH-responsive PacC transcription factor (PACC), MeaB, TOR; target of rapamycin (FMK1), Signal transducing MAP kinase kinase (STE-STE7), and High Osmolarity Glycerol 1(HOG1) were docked with identified phytocompounds in the n-hexane fraction by GC/MS analysis. MEAB showed maximum binding affinities with zinnimide (−12.03 kcal/mol), HOG1 and FMK1with α-Tocospiro-B (−11.51 kcal/mol) and (−10.55 kcal/mol) respectively, STE-STE7 with docosanoic acid (−11.31 kcal/mol), and PACC with heptadecanoic acid (−9.88 kcal/mol) respectively with strong hydrophobic or hydrophilic interactions with active pocket residues. In conclusion, the n-hexane fraction of the A. kalkora can be used to manage FOL.

Characterization of important odorants from Persian silk tree flowers, Albizia julibrissin

AbstractThe Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) has delicate flowers with a pleasant aroma profile, displaying notes of hyacinth and rose with subtle nuances of citrus, coconut and spice. In this study, a total of 29 odorants were identified in the flowers from a single A. julibrissin selection by the application of a cold‐solvent extraction (CSE), followed by solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Subsequently, nine odorants with flavour dilution (FD) factors ≥16 were quantitated by stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA), and odour activity values (OAVs) were calculated. Odorants with OAV ≥1 included 2‐phenylacetaldehyde (OAV 3638), linalool (OAV 797), eugenol (OAV 231), geraniol (OAV 161), 1H‐indole (OAV 93), β‐ionone (OAV 31), 2‐phenylethanol (OAV 11) and γ‐octalactone (OAV 1). An aroma simulation model was prepared based on the quantitation data, and it closely matched the aroma of the flower isolate. Chiral chromatography was performed, and (S)‐(+)‐linalool was the only enantiomer detected. This study advances our understanding of A. julibrissin flower aroma chemistry and lays the groundwork for future investigations for the development of delicate floral aromas for flavour and fragrance applications.

Slow-release Fertilizer Application on Silk (Falcataria moluccana Miq.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Plant Growth and Yield in Agroforestry System

The aim of this experiment is to evaluate the impact of chitosan-NPK slow-release fertilizer (CS-NPK SRF) on the germination and growth of silk tree and rice in different planting patterns, as well as to assess the nutrient release rate of the SRF. The germination test followed a complete randomized design, incorporating a single factor (fertilizer type), namely no fertilizer (F0), SRF CS 0.5% weight 0.03 g (F1), SRF CS 0.5% 0.01 g (F2), SRF CS 0.7% 0.03 g (F3), SRF CS 0.7% 0.01 g (F4), and conventional NPK fertilizer (F5). The growth test utilized a 2-factor split-plot design, with the primary factor being the planting pattern (sengon/rice monoculture-SM/RM and sengon-rice agroforestry-AF) and the second factor being the fertilizer type. Results indicate that F2 and F4 yielded the highest germination and growth values in both plants, although not significantly different from F0. These findings suggest that CS-NPK SRF has the potential to enhance plant growth. The AF pattern exhibited lower growth compared to SM/RM, attributed to plant competition. CS-NPK SRF demonstrated a slower nutrient release (47.65% N; 85.01% P; 31.80% K) compared to conventional fertilizers. This slow release could potentially reduce nutrient loss to the environment while enhancing plant nutrient absorption.

Enhancing mechanical properties of waste expanded polystyrene composites through varied coupling agents and wood powder formulations

This study investigates Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) by incorporating waste Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and various wood powder reinforcements. The mechanical properties of WPCs play a pivotal role in sustainable material development. Our research delves into the effects of different treatments on wood powders and their interactions with the polymer matrix.Pine, teak, and silk tree wood powders underwent alkali immersion and coupling agent treatments. The ensuing composites underwent rigorous testing, including flexural strength, hardness, and impact resistance assessments.The findings underline the complex factors governing WPC mechanical properties. Pine-based WPCs, reinforced with pine wood powder and subjected to alkali treatment, exhibited the highest flexural strength at 29.56 MPa, whereas the lowest flexural strength of 14.65 MPa was observed in WPCs reinforced with alkali-treated teak wood powder. The highest impact strength quantified at 2.54 kJ/cm², was found in untreated pine wood powder-based WPC. In contrast, the lowest impact strength was identified in teak wood powder-based WPC treated with alkali.

Strategy to increase the competitiveness of the slopes of Mount Muria coffee based on social enterprise

Robusta Coffee cultivation on Mount Muria at an altitude of 700 masl, which in the last two years, production reached 1,500 tons per year, an increase of 30 percent from the total land area of 2,200 hectares (2019-2021) (seputarmuria.com, 2021)—coffee cultivators by the people whose management serves as life support. Coffee farmers experience marketing problems; they sell raw coffee beans to local intermediaries, and only a tiny portion is processed. Post-harvest processing to make coffee powder ready for consumption traditionally. The strategy to increase the competitiveness of coffee needs to do so through community empowerment based on social enterprise. Data collection methods were field surveys, structured interviews, FGDs, and literature studies. Data analysis described the coffee farming business and the preparation of development strategies using SWOT analysis. The results showed that Lereng Muria coffee farmers carried out vegetative grafting using the top working method: robusta shoots with superior robusta shoots to get new varieties without killing old plants so that production and yields were high. Most farmers grow coffee by utilizing the forest floor and interspersing it with other commodity crops, including pomelo, cloves, teak, and silk tree. After harvests, the coffee beans are dried directly under the sun, go to the mill, and sold to intermediaries. After doing a SWOT analysis, the average IFE value is 0.63, and the EFE value is 1.13. Recommended 12 development strategies to increase competitiveness, including improving the grafting breeding system, strengthening cooperation between farmers and other stakeholders, improving crop sales management, increasing farmers’ knowledge about climate change and pest control, and other strategies.

Chaetomium albiziae, a new endophytic species from Albizia lebbeck in Iran

The silk tree (Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth) is one of the ornamental plants in Ahvaz (southwest of Iran). Two endophytic fungal strains, isolated from the leaves of this plant, were characterized. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on a combined matrix of the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 including the intervening 5.8S nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS), and partial regions of the β-tubulin (tub2) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) indicated that both strains represent a new Chaetomium species, C. albiziae sp. nov. in the family Chaetomiaceae. Chaetomium albiziae formed a sister lineage with sterile species C. cucumericola. This new species can be characterized by ostiolate perithecia with septate lateral and terminal setae, clavate asci and aseptate ellipsoidal to ovoid ascospores with an apical germ pore. In addition, this is the first report of the endophytic association of the genus Chaetomium with Albizia lebbeck worldwide.

Effects of Pod Maturity Phases on Physical Dormancy Induction in Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz) Seeds

The study examined the effect of the pod colors as an index of maturity phases on seed traits of silk tree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz). Silk tree pods were simultaneously collected at five maturity phases based on pods color in late September in the Hyrcanian plain forest, Tashbandan-Iran. Seeds were removed from pods and seed moisture content (MC), 1000 seed weight (1000 SW) and germination performance were determined. Maturity phases affected seed MC and 1000 SW. MC and 1000 SW were the highest at the pod color of full green (61% and 64.2 g, respectively). As the seeds matured, MC and 1000 SW decreased, and the lowest MC and 1000 SW were found as 8.5% and 36.2 g, respectively at seeds harvested at the dark brown stage. Germination percentage (GP), germination speed (GS) and mean germination time (MGT) were significantly affected by seed maturity phases, and GP and GS were the lowest in the dark brown pod stage (6% and 0.2, respectively). GP and GS was the highest at seeds harvested at the half green-half brown stage. MGT was increased to the maximum when seeds were harvested at the dark brown pod stage (29.8). This study showed that when pods have reached maturity, the coats of the seeds have no barrier to germination but as ripening continues, germination of silk seeds were hindered by impervious seed coats that retard the entry of water. The study revealed that pod color could be used as an indicator for physical dormancy level of silk tree seeds.

Динамика развития ценопопуляций Albizia julibrissin Durazz., встречающихся в Азербайджане

The Albizia julibrissin Durazz. species — one of the relict leguminous trees found in the Republic of Azerbaijan has been investigated. The dynamics of the development of the cenopopulation, in which the species is widespread, was observed in the association of the Persian silk tree or pink silk tree (Albizziaetum julibrissin), and this development was not considered satisfactory. Because the defoliation of species was observed under conditions of middle and older generative age. Observations of weakened and severely weakened viability during the study indicate an unsatisfactory current and future state of the species in this area. The study of the Albizia julibrissin Durazz. species entered in the Red Book of Azerbaijan at the level of cenopopulation allows making predictions about the future population of this plant.

Assesment of Nurtritional Analysis of Bombax Buonopozense Found in Adamawa and Taraba States, Nigeria (Red Flowered Silk Cotton Tree)

Bonbax Buonoponzense popularly known as red flower cotton silk tree found in Adamawa and Taraba was used for the study. The population of the study comprised of 120 respondent 60 each from the two-study area, this was based on the availability of the red flower cotton tree found in the study area. The study adopted an experimental designed with an oral interview. The material used was the red cotton flower which was picked, dried, and grounded to obtained a powder which was used for the proximate analysis at the department of biochemistry, University of Jos. For the purpose of determining its nutritional content, the nutritional components of the plant (leaves) was determined using proximate analytical procedures. The analysis unraveled the presence of six nutrients which comprises of the following: moisture content, crude fibre, crude lipids, crude protein, NFE, and ash. Nitrogen free extracts consisting of carbohydrates, sugars and starches was found to be the highest with 18.48 followed by crude fibre with 5%, crude lipids having 3.8%. crude protein with 2.8% The least of them all was found to be moisture with a value of 2%. It was concluded that, Carbohydrates hydrolyzed the body to yield glucose, Proteins as body builders, they replace worn out tissues, and proteins are also immune booster and can help in cell division as well as growth, Fats which are important in energy production and help to regulate blood pressure of vital cell parts, and fibres which are parts of fruits and vegetable. It could be deduced therefore that Bombax buonopozense leaves could be of great health benefit if well harnessed.

Albizia coriaria Welw ex Oliver: a review of its ethnobotany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology

Albizia coriaria Welw ex Oliver: a review of its ethnobotany, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology

Comparison of chemical compositions in wood and bark of Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.)

ABSTRACT This research was conducted to identify and compare the chemical compositions in Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.) from different parts of wood and bark, using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS, LC-MS), and elemental analysis. FTIR analysis showed significant differences in the chemical structure of bark and wood at peaks that belong to the cellulose and hemicelluloses. According to the results, the C-O-C asymmetric stretch vibration in cellulose and hemicelluloses peak of Persian silk tree was lower in the bark and ѵC=O in quinone or p-quinone peak was higher in the bark. The results of GC-MS showed 12 chemical constituents in the bark and 43 in the wood, respectively. Among these, hexadecanoic acid and inositol were in common. According to the LC-MS analyses, bark samples were rich in lignan compositions and triterpenoid saponins, whereas wood was poor in these compositions. Altogether 61 compositions have been tentatively identified and described from bark and wood tissues; many of them were identified for the first time. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry illustrated that the bark contained iron and aluminium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine, while these elements did not exist in wood.

Five TPSs are responsible for volatile terpenoid biosynthesis in Albizia julibrissin

Silk tree, Albizia julibrissin Duraz, is an old ornamental plant and extensively cultivated in Asia. Previous works have discovered that the terpenoids were the dominating compounds in the floral VOC of A. julibrissin, however the biosynthesis of these terpenoids was poorly understood so far. Here, 11 terpene synthase genes (TPSs) were identified by transcriptome sequencing that fell into TPS-a, TPS-b and TPS-g subfamilies. The enzymatic activity tests showed that five genes were functional: AjTPS2 was a sesquiterpene synthase and produced α-farnesene and (Z, E)-β-farnesene; AjTPS5 was able to catalyze the formation of five monoterpenes and nine sesquiterpenes; AjTPS7, AjTPS9 and AjTPS10 were dedicated monoterpene synthases, as AjTPS7 and AjTPS10 formed the single product β-ocimene and linalool, respectively, and AjTPS9 produced γ-terpinene with other three monoterpenes. More importantly, the main catalytic products of the characterized AjTPSs were consistent with the terpenoids observed in A. julibrissin volatiles. Combining terpene chemistry, TPSs biochemical activities and gene expression analysis, we demonstrate that AjTPS2, AjTPS5, AjTPS7, AjTPS9 and AjTPS10 are responsible for the volatile terpenoids biosynthesis in A. julibrissin.

Experimental Investigation Used of Albizia Julibrissin Extract as a Plant Surfactant on Oil Recovery

In recent years, the use of natural surfactants as surface active agents in chemical methods of oil recovery over chemical surfactants has been under consideration due to the absence of environmental problems. In this study, a new plant, Albizia julibressin (Albizia), was introduced as a natural surfactant. Our novelty resides in a unified approach that deals with the introduction of Albizia julibressin (Albizia) as a new natural surfactant, interpretation of the chemical EOR objectives, interface reactions, and the induced optimization to improve oil recovery. For this purpose, the plant was extracted using Soxhlet extraction method, aqueous base solutions and interfacial tension between natural surfactant aqueous solutions and kerosene as an oil phase were measured by pendant drop method. The critical micelle concentration structures formed by this material has been determined by interfacial tension tests and confirmed by electrical conductivity tests. The results show that Albizia extract at 3.5 wt% begins to form micelles structures, which is the critical concentration of Albizia plant micelles. At this concentration, the interfacial tension between the deionized water and the oil phase is reduced from 34 mN /m to 10 mN/m, which indicates a significant decrease in interfacial tension by this plant. Carbonate rock was employed to core flooding experiments in order to investigate the effect of Albizia extract (AE) on oil recovery. Also based on results, by using AE, wettability of oil-wet carbonate rocks, was altered from about 165.02◦ to 86.59◦. Finally, AE enhanced ultimate oil recovery about 11.6% of original oil in place in tertiary recovery for a carbonate rock.

Socio-ecological dimensions of agroforestry called kebun campuran in tropical karst ecosystem of West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Parikesit, Withaningsih S, Rozi F. 2021. Socio-ecological dimensions of agroforestry called kebun campuran in tropical karst ecosystem of West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 122-131. Traditional and modernized systems combining agricultural and forestry production systems-called agroforestry-was developed by humans under the influence of biophysical and social conditions which often result in heterogeneous landscape. The so-called kebun campuran (mixed gardens) is one of the agroforestry forms that can be encountered in the humid tropics of Indonesia. However, socio-ecological information of this man-made vegetation and its multidimensional functions in particular environmental settings like karst is still limited. This paper aims to elucidate socio-ecological dimensions of kebun campuran in karst ecosystem in Pangandaran District, West Java, Indonesia. A vegetation survey was carried out to reveal the bio-ecological dimensions of kebun campuran complemented with socio-economic questionnaires. The results show that kebun campuran played an important role for the owners as the majority of them gained economic benefits from this agroforest. More than 50% of the owners had their main income from kebun campuran, therefore, kebun campuran was considered a valuable family asset. Kebun campuran ownership put the owner in a higher social status, despite the fact that 80.9% of them had only elementary education background. Correlation analysis showed that there was a very significant correlation between the areas of kebun campuran, rice-field, and homegarden ownership. The analysis also indicated that the economic value of kebun campuran derived from its products increased as its area became larger. There were diverse products like timber, fruits, fuelwood and forages extracted from kebun campuran. Among economically important species were Albizia chinensis (silk tree), Cocos nucifera (coconuts), Manilkara zapota (sapodilla), Musa paradisiaca (banana). Despite its beneficial value, kebun campuran was not intensively managed. On the other hand, the structural vegetation pattern of kebun campuran was the result of various practices carried out by the owners through the processes of introduction, domestication, and selection of plant species. Maintaining kebun campuran in the coastal landscape of Pangandaran might ensure the future of karst ecosystem in this southern coastal area of West Java.

Free radical scavenging effect of various extracts of Root of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck (L.)Benth.) by DPPH method

The study of antioxidants and free radicals in biology is producing medical revolution that promises a new age disease and health management. The present study was performed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant effect of the methanol, ethyl acetate, hydro alcohol and water extracts of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. by using DPPH method. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited significant inhibition in DPPH free radical formation with IC 50 values of 70.5206. The ethyl acetate extract showed potent activity on DPPH, which is compared to that of ascorbic acid (IC 50 = 36.8582) taken as standard. The lesser IC 50 value indicates larger antioxidant activity. The results of the present comprehensive analysis demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. is a viable source of nature antioxidant and might be exploited for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectral analyses of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. pod methanol extract

This study was aimed at the elucidation of the bioactive compounds present in methanol extracts of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Pod using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) techniques. The GC-MS mass spectra of the identified compounds were compared with those of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database library. The results confirmed the presence of five compounds including Pentasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9-decamethyl-, Heptasiloxane, hexadecamethyl-, Methyl glycocholate, 3TMS derivative, (5a)Pregnane-3,20a-diol, 14a,18a-[4-methyl-3-oxo-(1-oxa-4-azabutane-1,4 -diyl)]-, diacetate, Cyclodecasiloxane, eicosamethyl were found in methanol extracts. The presence of these bioactive compounds in the plant offers a platform for the traditional use of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. in treatment of various diseases. The FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed the presence of these functional groups: C-F stretch (1018.08 ), C – O stretch (1112.70), (-C-H) Bending, stretch (1409.04), (C=C) stretch (1647.62), (N-H) stretch (2832.78), (C-H) stretch (2943.06), (O-H) (stretch, H- bonded) (3321.22) in the pod extracts.

The Role of N,N,N-Trimethylglycine in Oviposition of Eurema mandarina on Albizia julibrissin.

The common grass yellow Eurema mandarina (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) uses the silk tree Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) as a primary host in Japan. We previously reported that D-pinitol, a cyclitol found in fresh leaves of A. julibrissin, solely elicits moderate oviposition responses from females. However, the aqueous neutral/amphoteric fraction of the fresh leaf extract containing D-pinitol weakly induces oviposition. Moreover, the aqueous neutral/amphoteric/basic fraction was significantly more active than the neutral/amphoteric fraction in eliciting responses, indicating that some basic compounds are involved in stimulating oviposition. High-resolution mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance measurements revealed that the aqueous basic faction contains N,N,N-trimethylglycine (trivial name: glycine betaine) in alkali metal salt form. The average concentration of this quaternary ammonium compound in fresh leaves was estimated to be 0.012% w/w in high performance liquid chromatography analyses. The authentic N,N,N-trimethylglycine induced oviposition at concentrations greater than 0.001% (w/v) and slightly enhanced female responses to the aqueous neutral fraction and authentic D-pinitol. However, its analogues, N,N-dimethylglycine, N-methylglycine, and glycine as well as its precursor choline were inactive. These results demonstrate that N,N,N-trimethylglycine, together with D-pinitol, serves as an stimulant of E. mandarina for oviposition on the leaves of A. julibrissin.

Bruchidius terrenus (Sharp, 1886) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae): A New Invasive Species of Seed Beetles in the Fauna of Russia

Bruchidius terrenus (Sharp, 1886) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) is a new invasive East Palearctic species of seed beetles to the fauna of the Crimea and Russia was emerged in November 2017 from the seeds of Albizia julibrissin Durazzini, 1772 and A. kalkora (Roxburgh) Prain, 1897, that were collected in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. B. terrenus is a monophagous species: larvae develop in the seeds of silk trees (Albizia Durazzini, 1772). The infestation levels of the seeds of A. julibrissin and A. kalkora were 45 and 78%, respectively. The species is monovoltine; emergence of imagoes was observed in November–December. The overwintering stage is imago.

The potential of turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) in agroforestry system based on silk tree (Albizia chinensis)

Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) is a traditional medicinal plant. In Indonesia, it is generally cultivated in village home gardens. Famers conducted very simpple cultivation method of turmeric, without specific maintenance and below varies tree. The experiment was conducted by cultivating turmeric below silk trees as in agroforetry system. The experiment was arranged split plot design, the first factor was three level of irradiation (turmeric monoculture/full irradiation, turmeric below silktree with pruning canopy, and turmeric below silk tree no pruning). The second factor was fertilizer NPK 15-15-15 with three levels of doses (100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1). Cultivating turmeric in agroforestry system based on silk tree which were one year old and not yet needed pruning, application of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer 100 kg ha-1 was enough. The rhizome yield of turmeric 3 months age reaches 139 g per plant (fresh weight). Litter fall from a silk tree one year old in one year is 30 kg per tree per year.

Prey Acceptability and Preference of Oenopia conglobata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Candidate for Biological Control in Urban Green Areas.

Oenopia conglobata is one of the most common ladybird species in urban green areas of the Mediterranean region. We have obtained data about its prey acceptability and prey preferences. In a laboratory experiment, we investigated the acceptability of seven aphid and one psyllid species as prey for this coccinellid: the aphids Chaitophorus populeti, Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora Monelliopsis caryae, Eucallipterus tiliae, Aphis nerii (on white poplar, pomegranate, false acacia, black walnut, lime, and oleander, respectively), and the psyllid Acizzia jamatonica on Persian silk tree. These species are abundant in urban green areas in the Mediterranean region. In addition, we tested the acceptability of Rhopalosiphum padi on barley, an aphid species easily reared in the laboratory. We also tested preferences of the predator in cafeteria experiments with three aphid species and one aphid and the psyllid. Adults and larvae of the coccinellid accepted all of the preys offered, except A. nerii, with a clear preference for M. caryae. The predator also showed preference for M. caryae when it was offered in a cafeteria experiment with other aphid species or with the psyllid. The aphid R. padi obtained a good acceptability and could be used for rearing O. conglobata in the laboratory.