Developmental duration and predatory efficiency of Episyrphus balteatus on four aphid species in Pakistan
2016
Mushtaq, S. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology and Fisheries) | Rana, S.A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology and Fisheries) | Rana, N. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology and Fisheries) | Maalik, S. | Ehsan, N.
Present study examined the predatory preference and its impact on developmental period of Episyrphus balteatus on four aphid species i.e., Brevicoryne brassicae, Schizaphis graminum, Myzus persicae and. Rhopalosiphum padi which were abundantly present in the croplands of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Prey consumption by all larval inst4rs was evaluated under laboratory conditions at an average temperature of 20 plus minus 5 degree C, 60 plus minus 5% RH and photoperiod of 16:8 h D: L. Predator-prey interaction between two antagonistic groups of insects (Syrphids: E. balteatus and four aphid species) was determined. The selection of prey species was carried out on the basis of relative abundance of species in cropland data of whole year and predator-prey interaction by applying regression. Results revealed that the developmental duration was recorded significantly longer by consuming B. brassicae and S. graminum while larval growth was significantly greater in the presence of S. graminum (11.5 days) and R. padi (11.4 days) by consuming (410.3) and (397.3) specimens of later two aphid species, respectively. Predatory impact on aphids was more effective on B. brassicae, due to its relatively less consumption and increased growth. Highest number of aphid predation was observed during 3rd instar. These studies are important for effective management and control of these aphid species.
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