The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a polyphagous insect pest is a major threat to a wide range of crops worldwide. Aiming to evaluate the life history traits of M. persicae, feeding on different host plants, we used five vegetables: cabbage, Brassica oleracea (Brassicaceae); chinese cabbage, B. rapa (Brassicaceae); chili pepper, Capsicum annum (Solanaceae); crown daisy, Chrysanthemum coronarium (Asteraceae); and eggplant, Solanum melongena (Solanaceae). TWOSEX-MSchart software was used for the statistical analysis about the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The highest fecundity (69.65 individuals) rate of M. persicae, intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.425 d−1), finite rate of increase (λ = 1.531 d−1), net reproductive rate (R0 = 69.65 offspring), and shortest mean generation time (T = 9.964 d) were recorded on the chili pepper plant. Whereas, lower fitness occurred on cabbage. The findings attained from population growth parameters indicate that chili pepper is the most susceptible plant, while cabbage is resistant to aphids. Population projection results also supported this statement, as the final total population size on cabbage was significantly lower than other plants. The reported information would be useful for devising integrated pest management programs, particularly those involving M. persicae. This information also suggests the adaptability of M. persicae causing economic damage to these vegetable cultivars.

An assay was designed to evaluate the efficacy of each entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, and diatomaceous (DE) and their combinations at concentrations of 1 × 10 6 and 1 × 10 8 conidia kg −1 of wheat and 200 and 400 ppm, respectively, on the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Tenebrionidae: Coleoptera), infesting wheat. Percent mortality of T. castaneum was recorded after 7, 14, and 21 days. Percent mycosis on dead cadavers was assessed after 21 days. Alive adults were removed from plastic jars after 21 days and kept for the next 60 days to assess the progeny production. The results indicated that the highest concentrations of B. bassiana and DE in their combinations were more effective for the virulence and progeny suppression of T. castaneum. Maximum mean percent mortality (88.13%) was recorded by B. bassiana (1 × 10 8 conidia kg −1 of wheat) and DE (400 ppm) in their combination after a 21-day exposure interval, while a minimum percent mean mortality (10.00%) was recorded by B. bassiana (1 × 10 6 conidia kg −1 of wheat) alone. The maximum percent mycosis (78.89%) on dead cadavers was recorded at a low concentration rate (1 × 10 6 conidia/kg) of B. bassiana. Mean progeny adult emergence was the highest (62.67 adults) at the low concentration of B. bassiana alone. Present studies showed that B. bassiana and DE are more effective in combination against T. castaneum on wheat as both substances are advantageous.

Raza et al.: Comparison of learning and memory of eastern (Apis cerana cerana) and western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.

No abstract

The non-persistent impact of biocontrol agents can be revealed for pest control when associated entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) negatively affect the natural enemies. In this assay, impacts of Beauvaria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin were studied for their compatibility or side effects on life table parameters of an important generalist predator, Coccinella septempunctata L. The results indicated non-significant impacts of both EPFs on life table parameters of C. septempunctata. The development time (egg-adult) was not significantly different in control (69.79 days) and EPFs treated C. septempunctata (69.35–80.07 days). Both fungi did not induce any significant changes in the fecundity, adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total preoviposition period (TPOP), and mean generation time (T) as compared to control treatment. Similarly, no difference in fecundity rate of C. septempunctata was observed after EPFs treatment (287.7–288.5) compared to control (290.0). The highest net reproductive rate (R0) occurred in control (87.05 offspring individual−1) and M. anisopliae (86.31 offspring individual−1) as compared to B. bassiana treated beetles (76.97 offspring individual−1). The age-specific fecundity curves indicated that the C. septempunctata had a similar fecundity rate in both EPFs treatments and control. This study demonstrates no significant side effects of B. bassiana and M. anispoliae on the performance and biology of C. septempunctata. Considering the compatibility of both EPFs with C. septempunctata, their combinations can be recommended in various integrated pest management programs.