ABSTRACT
The effect of three selected plants on the functional response of Adalia bipunctata to different densities of Myzus persicae was examined in Petri-dish arenas. Logistic regression indicated a type II functional response on all plants. The maximum number of prey killed per day by females was 65.4 at a density of 130 preys on sweet pepper. On the other hand, handling time was significantly longer on tomato than on eggplant or sweet pepper (0.35 h vs. 0.24 h and 0.21 h, respectively). This laboratory study suggests that plant characteristics influence the ability of A. bipunctata to respond to changes in prey density.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Department of Plant Protection, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan for the use of greenhouse facilities.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.