Biological and predatory characteristics of Zicrona caerulea (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Altica viridula (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), under laboratory conditions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Nowshahr Natural Resources Research Station (Botanical Garden), Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Nowshahr, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

3 Biology teacher, Marzan Abad education, Marzan Abad, Mazandaran, Iran.

10.22092/bcpp.2025.368534.387

Abstract

Hyrcanian forests, which are 25 and 50 million years old, are among the most valuable forests in the world and are known as a natural reserve. These forests play a vital role in protecting biodiversity and maintaining the ecological health of the region. However, the pressures caused by the spread of pests are a serious threat to this forest ecosystem. Therefore, preserving and protecting them is very important. In recent years, the pest Altica viridula Weise, as one of the leaf–eating pests of the Carpinus orientalis mill., has become an outbreak in some areas of Mazandaran province. By feeding on the leaves, this pest causes the branches and foliage of trees to dry out, reduces forest density and even increases the risk of fire. Managing this pest requires solutions that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. The use of natural enemies is one of the effective approaches in biological pest control. In this regard, the species Zicrona Caerulea Linnaeus has been identified as a specialized predator of A. viridula in recent studies. Adults was collected from the forests of Marzanabad and transferred to the labs of Nowshahr Natural Resources Research Station. The biology and life stages of this predator on A. viridula larvae was investigated under laboratory conditions of a 13:11 L: D, 25 ± 2 °C, and 65 ± 5% RH. The studies were conducted in the laboratory based on a controlled descriptive statistical design. Also, randomization was implemented using 15 containers for replications to allow for a more reliable assessment of the results. The average pre–oviposition length was 7.1 ± 0.5 days, with an average of 20.15 ± 3.42 eggs laid. The embryonic period lasted 15.5 ± 0.7 days and the egg hatching rate was 93.1 ± 2.18%. The average lifespan was 38.2 ± 1.78 days for males and 40.5 ± 2.35 days for females, respectively. Last nymph instar became an adult after 7±0.3 days. An average generation took 44.5±2.90 days to complete. First instar nymphs did not feed. The number of third instar larvae as food for first, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instar nymphs were 2, 4, 6, 9 and 16, respectively. The percentages of predation were 0, 85.71%, 88.09%, 92.59% and 91.96% for first to fifth instar, respectively. After the emergence of adults, 10 pairs were selected and the predation rate of each pair was monitored daily. The predation rate of male and female was 14.2±0.96 and 14.7±0.7 larvae, respectively. Totally, the percentage of larvae eaten increased from second instar nymphs to adult insects. The importance of this present study is due to the first time in Iran. This species has high potential for use as a biological control agent due to its characteristics such as short lifespan, high hunting power, and good reproduction and its protection, support and release are felt seriously. Previous research has shown the effectiveness of Z. caerulea in various regions, but this study aims to fill the gap in knowledge regarding its impact in Hyrcanian forests ecosystems. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of Z. caerulea in managing A. viridula populations, contributing valuable insights for pest management strategies.
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References

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BioControl in Plant Protection
Volume 11, Issue 2
January 2025
Pages 111-120

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