Flowering Plant Species Differ in Their Suitability for Orius strigicollis (Poppius): Effects on Plant Preference, Longevity and Oviposition Under Laboratory Conditions

ABSTRACT Flowering plant species can support pest control by providing resources for natural enemies. Polyphagous predatory species of the genus Orius occur in many parts of the world and are widely used as biological control agents. They feed on several common pest species and can additionally utilize plant resources such as nectar and pollen. Since Orius oviposit into plant tissues, flowering plants may fulfil multiple ecological functions. This study evaluated 11 flowering plant species for their potential to support Orius strigicollis through plant preference, longevity and oviposition under laboratory conditions. Flowering stems were offered to O. strigicollis to assess longevity and oviposition. In addition, a mixed‐plant treatment containing six flowering species was used to assess preference, as well as the effects of mixed floral resources on longevity and oviposition. Plant species differed in their effects on O. strigicollis . Preference was particularly low for Anethum graveolens L. and Calendula officinalis L. Longevity was increased on Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. and was similar on Fagopyrum esculentum Moench to the positive control. The highest oviposition levels among the flowering plant species were observed on Centaurea cyanus L., Coriandrum sativum L. and Trifolium incarnatum L. Some plant species, particularly C. cyanus , C. sativum and Borago officinalis L., performed well in both longevity and oviposition. These findings demonstrate that flowering plants can fulfil different functions for O. strigicollis and that mixtures of flowering species may better support the requirements of this predator than single banker plant species alone. Such mixtures have the potential to enhance the conservation of Orius populations in vegetable production systems and thereby contribute to improved pest control and reduced pesticide use.