New Records of Predatory Bugs (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) Attacking Frankliniella occidentalis on Strawberry in Protected Cultivation

Abstract

New records of predatory bugs (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) attacking Frankliniella occidentalis on strawberry in protected cultivation were documented to evaluate predator diversity and their potential role in biological control under greenhouse conditions. Surveys were conducted in protected strawberry cultivation systems where thrips infestations were observed, characterized by flower distortion, scarring, and reduced fruit quality. Predator and prey populations were sampled using direct plant inspection and beating tray methods. Collected anthocorid specimens were identified based on morphological characteristics including body coloration, hemelytral patterns, rostrum structure, and genital morphology using standard taxonomic keys. Results confirmed the occurrence of anthocorid predators actively preying on F. occidentalis, representing new predator–prey associations in strawberry greenhouse systems. Predatory activity was observed predominantly in flowering stages where thrips populations were highest, indicating a strong ecological linkage between prey availability and predator abundance. Spatial distribution patterns showed higher predator presence in well-ventilated greenhouse sections with moderate humidity, which also supported balanced pest–predator interactions. The study highlights the adaptability of anthocorid bugs to protected environments and their role in suppressing thrips populations through active predation. These findings emphasize the importance of conserving native predatory bug populations in greenhouse strawberry production systems. The study supports the integration of biological control strategies involving anthocorid predators as part of sustainable management programs for F. occidentalis.