EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL, cilt.33, sa.1, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)
Background Augmentative biological control is a crucial component of Integrated Pest Management, and Orius laevigatus Fieber (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is an important predator used commercially. However, the two-sex life table parameters of O. laevigatus on Planoccocus citri Risso, and P. solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have not been fully characterised. This study aimed to assess the potential of P. citri and, P. solenopsis as prey for mass-rearing the predatory bug. To accomplish this, three different prey items (individuals of P. citri, P. soleneopsis, and eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)) were used to determine the life table parameters of the minute pirate bug.