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Title: NUTRIENT REWARDS FOR PREDATORS OF WHITEFLIES: GENERALISTS' REQUIREMENTS

Author
item COHEN, ALLEN
item NELSON, DENNIS
item BUCKNER, JAMES
item BRUMMETT, DONALD

Submitted to: Sweetpotato Whitefly Progress Review Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The generalist predators, Geocoris punctipes and Chrysoperla carnea were analyzed for their abilities to use whitefly nymphs as sole food source. Biomass, protein content and methionine content were used as separate criteria. Handling time and nutritionz content were used to predict the efficacy of whiteflies as diets. Even with the assumption of 100 p transfer rof material from prey to predator, it is evident that these generalist predators are not suited to using whiteflies as a sustaining prey. Predictions based on transfer of biomass indicated that with 3-5 hours of feeding per day, the predators could achieve their normal adult size within their normal development period. However, considering the protein transfer, the predators would have to feed on whitefly nymphs for at least 15-17 hours per day to accumulate the normal protein content. Even more prohibitive, the predators would have to feed for over 24 hours per day to achieve normal methionine accumulation; or since this is impossible, they would have to feed for several days beyond their normal development period achievable with lepidopteran eggs or aphids. Such an extended development period is an indication that whitefly nymphs are a nutritionally unsuitable food for long-term, exclusive exploitation by either G. punctipes or C. Carnea.