BioControl (2011) 56, 305-314
Michael P. Seagraves, Yukie Kajita, Donald C. Weber, John J. Obrycki and Jonathan G. Lundgren (2011)
Sugar feeding by coccinellids under field conditions: the effects of sugar sprays in soybean
BioControl 56 (3), 305-314
Abstract: Sucrose was applied weekly throughout the growing season at three US locations (South Dakota [SD], Maryland [MD], and Kentucky [KY]), and coccinellids and aphids (Aphis glycines Matsumura [Hemiptera: Aphididae]) were sampled 24 h later. Total coccinellid densities were 50-77% greater in sugar-sprayed soybean than in untreated plots. Coccinella septempuncata L., Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, and Harmonia axyridis Pallas were more abundant where sugar was applied. Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) was found in equally low numbers in all treatments. Aphid densities were similar in both treatments, and only reached economically threatening levels in SD. Coccinellids digested sugar meals within 1 h of consumption (measured using the cold anthrone test). Despite this narrow window of detection, field-collected coccinellids frequently tested positive for fructose. Under natural conditions, sugar is commonly ingested by coccinellids and sugar sprays increase coccinellid densities and their consumption of sugar. Sugar sprays did not enhance biological control of aphids in this experiment.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jonathan G. Lundgren, Donald C. Weber, Yukie Kajita
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology
