Biological Control of the Chrysanthemum Aphid, Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillete) by Release Coccinella septempunctata l. on Chrysanthemum Plants

Abstract

The seven-spotted ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae) was released for one time, at early-February on chrysanthemumplants during the two successive seasons 2013 and 2014, at Giza Governorate at rates of 30, 60 and 90 eggs/plant. On chrysanthemum plants: during the first season (2013), the reduction percentages in the population of Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillete) increased gradually with elapse of time reaching the maximum. The achieved average reductions in aphid population, were 21.9, 39.3, 46.3, 53.3 and 60.4% on mid-February, first-March, mid-March, first-April and mid-April (2013), respectively in the first level of release (30 eggs/plant). The same trend was achieved in the second season tested (2014). Also, in the second level of release (60 eggs/plant) during the first season (2013), the reduction percentages in the population of M. sanborni increased gradually with elapse of time reaching the maximum. The achieved average reductions in aphid population were 39.2, 50.1, 57.3, 61.9 and 71.4% on mid-February, first-March, mid-March, first-April and mid-April, respectively. The same trend was achieved in the second season (2014). The same trend was observed with the third level of release (90 eggs/plant), the reduction percentages in the population of M. sanborni increased gradually with elapse of time reaching the maximum. The achieved average reductions in aphid population were 40.7, 62.1, 70.4, 78.3 and 86.8% on mid-February, first-March, mid-March, first-April and mid-April, respectively. In addition, the same trend was achieved in the second season (2014). The present work has shown that the seven-spotted ladybird, C. septempunctata L. could used successfully, as a biocontrol agent in an integrated program for controlling M. sanborni on chrysanthemum plants.