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- Title
Influence of Alternative Prey on the Functional Response of a Predator in Two Contexts: With and without Intraguild Predation.
- Authors
Cicero, Lizette; Chavarín-Gómez, Luis Enrique; Pérez-Ascencio, Daniela; Barreto-Barriga, Ornella; Guevara, Roger; Desneux, Nicolas; Ramírez-Romero, Ricardo
- Abstract
Simple Summary: The present study explores the impact of alternative prey on predator–prey dynamics in two contexts, without and with intraguild predation (IGP). It was found that without IGP, G. punctipes displayed a generalized functional response regardless of the alternative prey. However, under IGP conditions, the predator's functional response shifted to Type II, but the alternative prey did affect this response and it turned to a generalized type. In both contexts, handling times increased and consumption of the focal prey decreased as the density of the alternative prey increased. The presence of parasitized whitefly nymphs notably affected predator–prey dynamics, probably due to changes in prey characteristics. In biological control, joint releases of predators and parasitoids are standard. However, intraguild predation (IGP) can occur when a predator attacks a parasitoid, potentially affecting pest control dynamics. In addition to the focal prey (FP), Trialeurodes vaporariorum, the intraguild predator (IG-predator) Geocoris punctipes can consume the parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus (IG-prey). In this IGP context with multiple prey, an alternative prey (AP), like the aphid Myzus persicae, may influence interactions. Theory predicts that, in simple interactions, a predator's functional response (FR) to the FP changes with the presence of an AP. However, whether this holds in an IGP context is unknown. In this study, we empirically tested that prediction. Our results show that without IGP, G. punctipes exhibits a generalized FR with and without AP. Nevertheless, with IGP, the predator exhibited a Type II FR at low and high AP densities, increasing pressure on the FP and potentially favoring short-term biological control strategies. However, when 25 AP were offered, the predator's response shifted, underscoring the importance of monitoring AP densities to prevent potential disruptions in FP control. In both contexts, the increase in AP produced a handling time increase and a decrease in consumption rate. These results indicate that the theoretical prediction of the effect of AP on the FR is met only under specific conditions, and the complexity of multitrophic interactions must be considered.
- Subjects
PREDATION; APHIDS; GREEN peach aphid; GREENHOUSE whitefly; PREDATORY animals; ALEYRODIDAE; PEST control; CONSUMPTION (Economics)
- Publication
Insects (2075-4450), 2024, Vol 15, Issue 5, p315
- ISSN
2075-4450
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/insects15050315