Possibility of using the entomofauna of the Central zone of Russia in biological control using predatory bugs as an example

The article presents the results of studying the predatory bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Asopinae) in Moscow Oblast of the Russian Federation. The biological characters and nutritional spectrum of 5 of the 7 species detected in Central Russia were studied. Similar representatives of the local fauna Troilus luridus and Picromerus bidens have been suggested as a substitute for the introduced from North America entomophages of the Colorado potato beetle predatory bugs Perillus bioculatus and Podisus maculiventris. In terms of biological characters, Troilus luridus is very similar to Podisus maculiventris and can easily replace this entomophage of American origin in laboratory culture and when used to control leaf-eating pests in protected ground. Both Troilus luridus and Podisus maculiventris overwinter at the imago stage, these bugs do not have an obligate diapause, so they can be continuously cultivated, but it is difficult to accumulate in quantities sufficient for use on large areas in open ground, in particular, on potatoes. Picromerus bidens has an obligate embryonic diapause, from which the entomophage eggs require treatment with low temperatures. At the egg stage, Picromerus bidens can be accumulated in any quantities, transported and used to control plant pests in protected and open ground, including with the mechanization facilities. FGBU “VNIIKR” created a laboratory culture of Picromerus bidens with characters modified in comparison with the natural population. Picromerus bidens can be used as a universal entomophage, and is also an alternative host for the maintenance and production of entomophagous egg-eating bugs Eurygaster integriceps and herbivorous bugs.

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