Predation of apple leafcurling midge <i>Dasineura mali</i> by <i>Sejanus albisignata</i>

Abstract

The predatory mirid bug Sejanus albisignata has been observed feeding on apple leafcurling midge (ALCM) eggs but quantitative data on its potential as a predator of ALCM are lacking Two methods were trialled to assess predation of ALCM by S albisignata In a laboratory experiment apple shoots infested with freshly laid ALCM eggs were contained with and without a S albisignata adult and in a field experiment paper bags were secured over shoots with ALCM eggs and individual S albisignata nymphs were introduced into half of these There were significant reductions of surviving midge larvae on shoots confined with adult predators and reduced numbers of midgeinfested leaves and larvae on bagged shoots with S albisignata nymphs Results from these nonchoice trials indicate that S albisignata can be an effective predator of ALCM More detailed feeding studies would determine if adult and immature S albisignata have a preference for midge eggs or larvae