Preference and performance of predatory bug Orius niger Wolff on seven potato genotypes infested to Thrips tabaci Lindeman

The predatory bug Orius niger Wolff is an important predator of the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman in the potato fields of Ardabil region. In this study, preference for prey, predatory rate, body size, and some life history parameters of O. niger were studied on seven potato genotypes (including Savalan, Agria, Morene, Kondor, Diamant, PI397082-2, and PI397097-2)infested to T. tabaciunder laboratory conditions. In preference test, the predator females were more attracted to the onion thrips-infested leaves of Savalan after 24, 48 and 72 hours from release. In test, prey consumption by O. niger nymphs on Savalan was significantly higher than on the other tested genotypes. Moreover, the predator females reared on the onion thrips-infested leaves of Savalan had higher body mass and greater body size among the seven tested genotypes of potato. The development time of predator nymphs on the onion thrips-infested leaves of Savalan was significantly shorter compared with Kondor, Diamant and PI397097-2. Furthermore, the survival rate of predator nymphs on the onion thrips-infested leaves of Savalan was significantly greater than on Kondor, Diamant, PI397082-2 and PI397097-2. Therefore, it can be concluded that the preference and performance of O. niger was more significant on Savalan amongst the tested potato genotypes.