Exploring the potential for the selective breeding of nesidiocoris tenuisa study of its genetics and feeding behavior

Abstract

Nesidiocoris tenuis is a zoophytophagous insect used in tomato crops to control key pests. Its ability to feed on plant tissues gives it advantages to be able to settle in crops before the arrival of the pest, remain in the crop when pest levels are low as well as the activation of the plant defenses against other herbivores. However, due to this phytophagous behavior it is reported as a pest in some countries. In the present thesis, the possibilities for the genetic improvement of N. tenuis were studied through the investigation of its population genetics, the genetic variability of its feeding behavior and the mechanical and behavioral components of its phytophagy.