Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2018) 166, 491-499

Aleixandre Beltrà, Felix L. Wäckers, Oldrich Nedved and Apostolos Pekas (2018)
Predation rate and performance of three ladybirds against the green peach aphid Myzus persicae in sweet pepper
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 166 (6), 491-499
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.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Oldrich Nedved, Felix L. Wäckers, Aleixandre Beltrà

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Myzus persicae	Green pepper/chilli (Capsicum)
Adalia bipunctata (predator)	Myzus persicae	Green pepper/chilli (Capsicum)
Hippodamia variegata (predator)	Myzus persicae	Green pepper/chilli (Capsicum)