Interação intraguilda entre Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) e Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen,1861)(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) em roseiras

Abstract

The cultivation of roses has importance for Brazilian agribusiness. This culture can be damaged by pests, which affect the quality of the product, highlighting aphids and mealybugs. Generalist predators like Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) and Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) have biological and behavioral features which posing them as potential predators in controlling these pests. Simultaneous use of more than one natural enemy may result in the loss of efficiency due to intraguild interaction. Given the above, this study aimed to evaluate the consumption by larvae of C. externa and C. cubana depending on the development stage of prey Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas, 1878) (Hemiptera: Aphididae); evaluate the use of M. euphorbiae and P. citri with the development of larvae of C. externa and C. cubana in the second instar; assess the food preference of predators; and whether a intraguild predation. In rose leaves infested with nymphs of P. citri and / or M. euphorbiae was released one larvae of second instar C. externa and / or C. cubana. After 24 hours of release from predators evaluated the consumption of insect pests, the mortality of predators and their food preference. There were differences in the consumption of P. citri depending on their stage of development; to nymphs of M. euphorbiae, the number consumed by predators was not influenced by the stage they were in. A lower number of prey consumed by larvae when released jointly, in relation to the average consumption of each predator studied individually. Both predators showede feeding preference for the mealybug. It was found that there was an occurrence of negative intraguild interactions.