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10-Minute Presentation

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

10-min: P-IE, Biological Control 1

Identifying predators of pear psylla and twospotted spider mite in Pacific Northwest pear orchards with molecular gut content analysis

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
11:06 AM – 11:18 AM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 126 C, PCC
Oral Presentation
Pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyricola) and twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) are the most important pests of pear in the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon and Washington, where the majority of USA pear production occurs, both pests cause substantial damage and are the primary focus of integrated pest management programs. Natural enemy communities can play an essential role in suppressing these pests within pear orchards. While past surveys of orchards in the region have identified predators associated with reduced pear psylla populations, few have assessed the role that these predators play in spider mite suppression, and none have directly evaluated pest consumption by predators (i.e., who is in the orchard versus who is eating the pests). To identify key predators of pear psylla and spider mites, we surveyed pear orchards across three main growing regions in WA (Wenatchee and Yakima Valleys) and OR (Hood River) in 2022 (20 sites) and 2023 (18 sites). Pest densities and predator communities were evaluated, and using gut content analysis with species specific primers, we identified the presence of pear psylla and T. urticae DNA in sampled predators. Composition of predator communities across the different regions and the role of specific predators in pest suppression will be discussed.