Yu, Chendi, Huang, Jun, Ren, Xiaoyun, Fernandez-Grandon, G. Mandela ORCID: 0000-0002-2993-390X, Li, Xiaoqei, Hafeez, Muhammad and Lu, Yaobin (2021) The predatory bug Orius strigicollis shows a preference for egg-laying sites based on plant topography. PeerJ Computer Science, 9:e11818. ISSN 2376-5992 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11818)

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Abstract

Background. Oviposition site selection is an important factor in determining the success of insect populations. Orius spp. are widely used in the biological control of a wide range of soft-bodied insect pests such as thrips, aphids, and mites. Orius strigicollis (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) is the dominant Oriusspecies in southern China; however, what factor drives its selection of an oviposition site after mating currently remains unknown.
Methods. Here, kidney bean pods (KBPs) were chosen as the oviposition substrate, and choice and nonchoice experiments were conducted to determine the preferences concerning oviposition sites on the KBPs of O. strigicollis. The mechanism of oviposition behavior was revealed through observation and measurement of oviposition action, the egg hatching rate, and the oviposition time.
Results. We found that O. strigicollis preferred the seams of the pods for oviposition, especially the seams at the tips of the KBPs. Choice and nonchoice experiments showed that females did not lay eggs when the KBP tail parts were unavailable. The rates of egg hatching on different KBP parts were not significantly different, but the time required for females to lay eggs on the tip seam was significantly lower. Decreased oviposition time is achieved on the tip seam because the insect can exploit support points found
there and gain leverage for insertion of the ovipositor.
Discussion. The preferences for oviposition sites of O. strigicollis are significantly influenced by the topography of the KBP surface. Revealing such behavior and mechanisms will provide an important scientific basis for the mass rearing of predatory bugs.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	oviposition behaviour, site selection preference, egg hatching, plant topography, orius strigicollis
Subjects:	Q Science > QL Zoology S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Chemical Ecology Research Group
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 16:29
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/33736

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