Geocoris punctipes (Say), the big-eyed bug, is a generalist predator found in field agricultural systems, such as cotton, soybean, and alfalfa. G. punctipes is known to feed on various aphids and whiteflies, and has been shown to control populations of these pest insects in field crops, but little data are available concerning Geocoris against pests of ornamental crops, such as greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood) and green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer), in greenhouse systems. Previous studies using G. punctipes in the greenhouse have not focused on ornamental crops. The purpose of this study was to determine if G. punctipes is a potentially useful biological control agent of aphids and whiteflies on ornamental crops in the greenhouse. Several aspects of the insect's biology suggest that it would be a good candidate for a greenhouse IPM program: 1) as a generalist predator, Geocoris has potential for sustainability in the system, 2) Geocoris is able to draw moisture from plants without damage to them, 3) Geocoris has a relatively long lifespan. Cohorts of Geocoris nymphs were raised separately on diets of aphid, whitefly, beet armyworm, and artificial medium. Instar length and survival were recorded for each diet. Adults from each diet were paired, and their fertility and fecundity were recorded. In a separate study, newly eclosed male and female Geocoris were presented with varying numbers of pests after being starved for a 24- hour period. Number of prey killed was recorded after a second 24-hour period. Field-collected adults were presented with the same pest regimens for comparison. This preliminary investigation may contribute to future development of Geocoris punctipes as a biological control agent of ornamental crops in greenhouse IPM programs.
Species 1: Hemiptera Lygaeidae Geocoris punctipes (Big-eyed bug)
Keywords: biological control, ornamental crops
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