Predation rate and performance of three ladybirds against the green peach aphid Myzus persicae in sweet pepper

Abstract

Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most common and harmful pest species attacking sweet pepper. Here, we compared the predation rate and performance of Adalia bipunctata (L.), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), and Scymnus interruptus Goeze (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on M. persicae infesting sweet pepper. In the laboratory, when offered 150 aphids daily, A. bipunctata was the most voracious species (predation per adult female of 122.7 aphids per 24 h) followed by H. variegata (87.7) and S. interruptus (27.3). When offered 50 aphids, 92% of the S. interruptus larvae developed to adults, 48% of H. variegata, and only 7% of A. bipunctata. In greenhouse experiments, A. bipunctata completely eradicated the aphid population within 2 days following release, whereas H. variegata and S. interruptus initially reduced the aphid population; however, in the long‐term, the infestation was not controlled. Adults of A. bipunctata remained on the plants even in the absence of prey but they laid almost no eggs. Very few adults of H. variegata and S. interruptus were recorded on the plants despite the presence of prey, yet egg laying was observed. Overall, A. bipunctata had an immediate impact on the aphids and is more suitable for curative releases. However, it showed limited potential to establish in the crop. Due to their capacity to complete development with low prey availability, the potential of H. variegata and S. interruptus for preventative releases against aphids in greenhouse crops should be studied further.

Defence variation within a guild of aphid‐tending ants explains aphid population growth

“…A high density of attending ants may increase the chances of killing or expelling aphid enemies, even if they are initially resistant to ants, and may also decrease the encounter time of aphid enemies. The latter is particularly important with ladybugs, which are active and voracious predators that can decrease aphid populations in a short time (Beltrà et al, 2018). Although increased ant number may be positively associated with aphid protection, a high number of attending ants could also be detrimental if increased tending intensity imposes a cost on aphids (Yoo & Holway, 2011).…”

Some Bioecological Peculiarities and Predatories of <i></i> <i>Myzocallis coryli</i> (Goeze, 1778) and <i>Corylobium avellanae</i> (Schrank, 1801) (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in Azerbaijan

“…Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coccinellidae) simply Asian ladybirdhas many variations. Origined from Eastern Asia it was introduced in USA and Canada as an effective agent of biological control [12,13]. We recorded different variations of the species in the hazel orchards of Zagatala district.…”

The biology and ecology of pine aphid, Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its demographic responses to environmental changes

“…While these species have previously been reported as major predators of many aphids (Kontodimas & Stathas, 2005; Pervez, 2005; Mignault et al ., 2006; Atif, 2016), they are reported here as predator of Eulachnus aphids for the first time. The population of these predators was found to be relatively low (less than 0.6 ladybird/sampling unit), but Adalia bibunctata and Hippodamia variegata are voracious predators (Beltrà et al ., 2018), so could be considered as effective natural enemies in reducing the aphid population.…”