Scientific Conference for Agricultural Research (SCAR2012)

The current study described the life table characteristics of the predatory bug
Orius laevigatus preying upon the tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci infestation offered on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv 144), and eggplant (Solanum melongena L. cv Classic) leaf discs under laboratory constant conditions of 26±1°C, 75±5% R.H. and 16L:8D photoperiod regime. Average life table parameters for two successive generations of O. laevigatus fed upon Bemisia tabaci infestation offered on tomato and eggplant were calculated respectively according to host plant as: intrinsic rate of increase (Rm): 0.12, 0.038; gross reproductive rate (GRR): 46, 18 insect/female/generation; net reproduction rate (Ro): 20, 2.6 females/female/generation; finite rate of increase (λ): 1.12, 1.038 females/female/day; mean generation time (T): 25.7, 25.2 days; and doubling time (DT): 6, 18.2 days. Those parameters indicated that O. laevigatus has the potential to be used as predator against B. tabaci and that this predator would likely be able to overcome populations of B. tabaci on tomato and eggplant plantation in greenhouses under the conditions similar to those used in this study.

This appears to be the first publication recording the life table parameters of O.laevigatus when used as natural enemy against B. tabaci infestation.

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most serious insect pest of olive fruits in the world. This insect was observed infesting olive orchard in Palestine. If not controlled, crop losses may reach 80% in the oil producing areas and 100% in areas growing table olive varieties (Broumas et al, 2001). This research was designed to be conducted in two years (2011-2012).

First year included monitoring the flight activity of the olive fruit fly in three sites
in Bethlehem (Bateer, Hendaza and Tqoa); and recording the rate of infestation in each orchard, and depending on the results of the first year, a management program will be applied in the second year using control measures including: mass trapping using pheromone traps and food baits. Preliminary results of the first year showed that, the rate of infestation in orchards was at harvesting period as follows: Handaza 90%, Bateer 56%, and Tqoa 64%.