Bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a serious pest of cowpea in Hainan province, China. In this study, the predation functional response and life table parameters of the minute pirate bug, Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), feeding on M. usitatus were measured in the laboratory. The functional response of O. sauteri to increasing M. usitatus density was described by Holling's disc equation, and the maximum predation rate was 45.3 over 24 h. The intraspecific interference of O. sauteri was significant with increasing O. sauteri density. Orius sauteri was able to complete its life cycle feeding on M. usitatus, with an intrinsic rate of increase (r) of 0.16 and fecundity of 95.4 eggs per female. Female and male minute pirate bugs consumed an average of 304.7 and 104.0 thrips over their lifetimes, respectively. These results show O. sauteri to be a potential biological control agent in the integrated pest management of M. usitatus. Resumen El trips de las flores de frijól, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), es una plaga grave del caupí en la provincia de Hainan, China. En este estudio, se midieron en el laboratorio la respuesta funcional de predación y los parámetros de la tabla de vida de la chinche pirata, Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), que se alimenta de M. usitatus. La respuesta funcional de O. sauteri al aumento de la densidad de M. usitatus fue descrita por la ecuación de disco de Holling y la tasa máxima de depredación fue de 45.3 para 24 horas. La interferencia intraespecífica de O. sauteri fue significativa con el aumento de la densidad de O. sauteri. Orius sauteri pudo completar su ciclo de vida alimentándose de M. usitatus, con una tasa intrínseca de aumento (r) de 0.16 y una fecundidad de 95.4 huevos por hembra. Las hembras y machos de la chinche pirata consumieron un promedio de 304.7 y 104.0 trips durante su vida, respectivamente. Estos resultados muestran que O. sauteri es...

Based on MS and NMR data and bioassay-guided tracing, three insecticidal alkaloids I, II and III from Cynanchum mongolicum were identified to be antofine N-oxide, antofine and tylophorine. Alkaloid I was more toxic than alkaloids II and III, but they were less active against Spodoptera litura than total alkaloids. The contact toxicity from these alkaloids against the aphid Lipaphis erysimi was significant, as the 24 h-LC₅₀ values of alkaloids I, II, III and total alkaloids were 292.48, 367.21, 487.791 and 163.52 mg/L, respectively. The development disruption of S. litura larvae was tested, the pupation and emergence rates of S. litura decreased and the acute mortality of S. litura increased significantly by day 3 after being injected in their body cavity with 10–40 mg/L of total alkaloid. The ecdysone titer of treated S. litura larvae and prepupae declined with increasing alkaloid concentration. The alkaloids of Cynanchum mongolicum are potential insect growth inhibitors.

Natural enemies play an important role in managing insect pests. Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), a predator of many soft-body insects, is an important biological control agent in Asia. Understanding this predator’s egg-laying preferences and a habitat needs is important for its success in pest control. We investigated the plant acceptability and ovipositional preference of O. sauteri for coriander (Coriadrum sativum L., Apiales: Apiaceae), marigold (Tagetes erecta L., Asterales: Asteraceae), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L., Brassicales: Brassicaceae), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., Fabales: Fabaceae), and focused on the effects of plant physical and anatomical characteristics on the ovipositional preference of O. sauteri. The results showed that O. sauteri can lay eggs on uninfested plants in the vegetative stage and their eggs hatched normally. Orius sauteri females prefer plants with high stomatal density, a large stomatal area, and fewer trichomes as oviposition hosts, and the depth of egg placement was determined by leaf thickness. Our studies suggested that O. sauteri females can select oviposition hosts and specific oviposition sites by assessing the structural qualities of plant surface. Coriander and marigold are potentially suitable host plants for O.sauteri. The results aid the selection of cover crops to enhance natural enemies in the fields.