Work with predatory bugs continues at the Laboratory of biological control of phytophages and phytopathogens of the Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies RAS (SFSCA RAS).
In the Novosibirsk region, the period for predatory bugs to emerge from their winter diapause is approaching. These insects play an important role in the biological protection of agricultural crops: their appearance will be a significant stage in the seasonal dynamics of the region’s agroecosystems.
The emergence of predatory bugs from wintering occurs when the average daily air temperature reaches +12-15°C. In the conditions of the Novosibirsk region, this period usually falls in May. The exact timing of awakening depends not only on the average daily temperature, but also on a number of other factors. Among the key species important for agriculture is Arma custos (Alder Arma) from the subfamily Asopinae: it preys on cutworm and moth caterpillars, Colorado potato beetle larvae and aphids, lives in forest-steppe and steppe zones near trees and shrubs.
Picromerus bidens (picromerus bidentate) is an effective predator against leaf beetle larvae, lepidopteran caterpillars and weevils, characterized by high search activity and rapid population growth.
Representatives of the family Reduviidae (predators) regulate the number of phytophages by hunting adults and larvae of medium- and large-sized insects.
Nabis ferus destroys aphids, thrips, spider mites and lepidopteran eggs, and is found on vegetable and grain crops, as well as in adjacent meadow communities.
Their presence in agrocenoses can reduce the need for the use of insecticides and increase the resistance of crops to pest outbreaks.