Biological Control of Aphis gossypii Glover on Cucumber Plants by Release Coccinella septempunctata L. under Glasshouse Conditions

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the management of Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae) which infesting cucumber plants var. Cucumis sativus L.by releasing different levels of the seven spotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). This study was carried out at two locations (Governorates), Perkash (Giza Governorate) and Tokh (Qaluobiya Governorate) during successive season 2018 under glasshouse conditions. At Giza Governorate, in the first level of release (30 eggs/plant), the reduction percentages in the population of A. gossypii increased gradually whereas it was 23.2, 35.3, 48.5, 57.4 and 68.2% on mid-February, first-March, mid-March, first-April and mid-April, respectively. Also, in the second level of release (60 eggs/plant). The reduction percentages in the population increased gradually whereas it was 21.9, 38.2, 47.5, 58.3 and 67.7% on the same dates respectively. Lastly, the third level of release (90 eggs/plant) the reduction percentages in the population increased gradually whereas it was 23.5, 36.3, 48.2, 63.5 and 74.4% on the same dates, respectively. The same trend was achieved at Qaluobiya Governorate. From obtained results. we can recommend using C. septempunctata as one of the important methods of biological control of A. gossypii on cucumber plants.