Evaluation of the Primary Behavioral Response of the Predatory Bug Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Heteroptera, Anthocoridae) to Volatile Organic Compounds of Entomopathogenic Fungi of the Genus Lecanicillium

• Published in: Entomological review 2024, Vol.104 (1), p.16-22
• Main Authors: Pazyuk, I. M., Mitina, G. V., Choglokova, A. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Entomopathogenic fungi; Fungi; Lecanicillium; Life Sciences; Olfactometers; Orius laevigatus; Repellency; VOCs; Volatile organic compounds; Zoology
• ISSN: 0013-8738; 1555-6689
• DOI: 10.1134/S0013873824010020

The effect of sporal and mycelial VOCs of entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Lecanicillium on primary behavioral responses of the predatory bug Orius laevigatus was studied in laboratory experiments. Free choice of adult Orius bugs between the sporulating mycelium and the nutrient medium without the fungus was evaluated in Petri dishes (24 h, in the presence of S. cerealella eggs and a bean leaf) and in 2-chamber olfactometers (1 h, without food). Repellent response in the bugs was caused by the mycelium of three strains: Lecanicillium lecanii strain Vl 29, L. dimorphum strain ARSEF 2332, and L. attenuatum strain Vit 71, with the index of aggregation IA ranging from −40.7 to −50 ( P < 0.05). A significant attractive response with an IA value of +43.3 was caused by L. lecanii strain Vl 5. The response of O. laevigatus to VOCs of Lecanicillium fungi after 1 h in 2-chamber olfactometers was predominantly neutral, with pronounced repellency observed only for L. lecanii strain Vl 29 (IA = −72) and L. dimorphum strain ARSEF 8057 (IA = −36.8).