Delphastus catalinae and Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as biological control agents of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

Abstract

Predation efficacy and compatibility of the predatory lady beetles Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake and Delphastus catalinae (Horn) against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) were studied in laboratory on glabrous fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida Voss cv Lena Corolla) and pubescent poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd ex Klotzch cv Dark Red Annette Hegg). On glabrous plants (fuchsia), fourth-instar and adults of C maculata were the most efficient, both against whitefly eggs and pupae. On pubescent plants (poinsettia), the larger stages of C maculata were negatively affected and less efficient than adults of D catalinae. The presence of plant structure did not affect the voracity of either predator species. Finally, the simultaneous use of both predator species generated inter-specific competition. These results provide recommendations for biological control of whitefly in horticultural greenhouses.

Feeding potential of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri against the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis

“…Fourth instar larvae were voracious feeders and consumed 63% of the total food requirement for Planococcus citri and Dactylopius tomentosus as against 30% by third instar larva and the remaining amount by first and second instar larvae (Baskaran et al 1999). In general, fourth instar coccinellids are known to consume greater quantities of prey than other stages (Fandi et al 2010;Lucas et al 2004). …”

Influence of Light-Dark Phase, Host Plant, Temperature, and Their Interactions on the Predation Rate in an Insect Predator

“…In laboratory studies with ornamental plants, predation efficacy of D. catalinae was compared against Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake (Coccinellidae) feeding on the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Aleyrodidae) (Lucas et al 2004). Adult and 4 th instar C. maculata were more efficient predators of whitefly nymphs and eggs on glabrous fuchsia ( Fuchsia hybrida Voss cv "Lena Corolla").…”

Boomeranging in structural defense

“…21,22 In this case study from the Mariana Islands, the Cycas tree population is only recently interacting in an anthropogenicinitiated tri-trophic quagmire. The alien herbivore pressure was initiated in 2003 by an unintentional introduction, 1,23 and the alien predator protection was initiated in 2005 by a purposeful introduction.…”