Complementarity between Orius predators improves control of foliar and flower pests

Abstract

Multispecies natural enemy assemblages may be more successful in suppressing herbivorous pests compared to low-diversity communities, especially when natural enemies complement each other regarding the niches they exploit. Orius predatory bugs are omnivorous biological control agents used in horticulture, and are widely associated with the control of flower thrips. However, species within the Orius genus may differ significantly in biological characteristics, such as size, thermal development requirements, induction of diapause, degree of omnivory, and within-plant distribution. In this study, we explored the differences in within-plant preferences and pest-control efficacy against foliar and flower pests of the predators Orius laevigatus, O. majusculus and O. minutus.