Journal of Applied Entomology (2007) 131, 621-624

A.F. Martinou and D.J. Wright (2007)
Host instar and host plant effects on Aphidius colemani
Journal of Applied Entomology 131 (9-10), 621-624
Abstract: The effect of Myzus persicae age (I-IV instar nymphs) on parasitism by Aphidus colemani was investigated in choice experiments with either aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) or pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as the aphid host plant species. Aphidius colemani could develop successfully to the mummy stage in all ages of aphid tested, on both pepper and aubergine plants. The greatest proportion of parasitoid mummies was found with II and III aphid instars on pepper and on I, II and III aphid instars on aubergine. On aubergine, I instar nymphs were also parasitized to an appreciable degree. Successful parasitism of IV instar nymphs was consistently low on both crops. The potential implications of host plant effects on the effectiveness of A. colemani as a biological control agent are discussed.
(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): Denis J. Wright, Angeliki F. Martinou

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Myzus persicae	Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
	Myzus persicae	Green pepper/chilli (Capsicum)
Aphidius colemani (parasitoid)	Myzus persicae	Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Aphidius colemani (parasitoid)	Myzus persicae	Green pepper/chilli (Capsicum)