Plant feeding by Nesidiocoris tenuis: Quantifying its behavioral and mechanical components

Zoophytophagous predators play an important, though sometimes controversial, role in pest management programs different crops. In tomato crops, damage caused by phytophagy of the mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis has mainly been reported at high predator population levels or when prey is scarce. Previous research focused on predator/prey ratios, stylet morphology and saliva composition to explain plant N. tenuis. this study, we investigated behavioral mechanical components damage. For this, compared feeding behaviors males, females fifth-instar nymphs Additionally, type activities performed each stage while probing tissue, using electrical penetration graph technique (EPG). Furthermore, stylectomy was histology studied with aim correlate observed EPG recordings tip positions specific tissues leaf petioles. Behavioral observations during a 30-min period showed that probed more frequently (38.6 ± 1.5 probes) than males (25.3 1.1 24.3 probes, respectively). Similarly, spent higher proportion time (656.0 67.6 s) apical sections (403.0 48.8 s 356.0 43.7 s, The 5 h indicated cell-rupturing main activity for all insect stages, events adults. histological studies revealed trend within vascular semi-ring. tips were found both bundles parenchyma interfascicular region. findings study confirm important behavior potential Moreover, increased cell rupturing behaviour suggests laceration enzymatic maceration occurring event might greatly contribute inflicted A comprehensive understanding interactions plant, levels, shed light new approaches minimize its maintaining benefits as biocontrol agent.