RESULTS: Euseius stipulatus triggered genotype-dependent defense responses in citrus. Whereas C. aurantium upregulated the Jasmonic Acid, Salicylic Acid and flavonoids defensive pathways, C. reshni upregulated JA only. Likewise, different volatile blends were induced. These blends were exploited by E. stipulatus to select less-defended plants (i.e., those in which higher pest densities are expected) and, interestingly, did not prevent T. urticae from choosing E. stipulatus-infested plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that this type of response has been described for a zoophytophagous phytoseiid.
CONCLUSIONS: The observed responses could affect herbivore populations through plant-mediated effects. Although further research is needed to fully characterize them and include other arthropods in the system, these results open opportunities for more sustainable and effective pest control methods (i.e., combining semiochemicals and biological control). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.