Do oviposition substrates and different materials as hiding-placesinfluence reproductive parameters of Orius insidiosus?

Abstract: Orius insidiosus is a commercially produced natural enemy used as a biologicalcontrol agent of thrips in greenhouses. Mass production is strongly influenced by the type ofoviposition substrate, as well as by hiding materials that reduce the contact between individualsand avoid cannibalism in the rearing unit. The objective of this study was to evaluate twooviposition substrates, bean sprouts and bean pods of Phaseolus vulgaris, and different types ofmaterials (rice hulls, popcorn, shredded paper towel and Styrofoam white flakes) to providehiding places and prevent cannibalism in the rearing system of O. insidiosus. Bean sprouts wereaccepted and more suitable for O. insidiosus females as an oviposition substrate in the laboratory.The total number of eggs/rearing unit/30days, the number of eggs/female/day/rearing unit and thenumber of emerging adults were significantly higher with bean sprouts as oviposition substratecompared to bean pods. No significant differences were found in the number of eggs and numberof emerging adults/rearing unit with different types of materials to provide hiding-places andavoid cannibalism.