Considering the Geographic Diversity of Natural Enemy Traits in Biological Control: A Quantitative Approach Using Orius Predators as an Example

The desirable characteristics of effective natural enemies and the causes for failure biological control efforts have been discussed extensively in literature, yet predicting which collection site may yield efficient remains a challenge. Insect characteristics, such as morphology, physiology, life history behavior, often vary across geographic cline location. These variations reflect phenotypic plasticity environments, or genetically based local (demic) adaptation. Parameters body size, photoperiod response, thermal tolerance genetic diversity greatly influence outcome efforts. Therefore, variation be used to optimize employed programs. first step towards this goal is compilation data on trait promising their distribution range. For example, we published information compile database various traits 92 Orius species (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), genus known its potential contribution IPM systems. We discuss how widespread different ecozones should enable populations that differ geographically dependent relevant control. Finally, suggest quantitative method enemies. This approach balances effects several enemy geographically. Lastly, demonstrate use by evaluating employment two distinct O. albidipennis.