Efficiency of Coccinella undecimpunctata (Reiche) adults, in Suppressing Aphid gossypii (Glover) Population on Tomato Plant

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Biological control is a very safe and effective method for the management of pests. In this study, Coccinella undecimpunctata (Reiche) adults were used in the management of Aphid gossypii population. The total mean reduction percentage of A. gossypii individuals recorded 67.8, 74.7 and   85.26 % at three different levels of release treatment at 1, 3 and 5 adult predators/plants respectively. Also, the results showed that releasing of C. undecimpunctataadult stage reduced the damage caused by A. gossypii in the total yield of tomato plants. Also, the fruit weight and the fruit's number/ plant increased in presence of predators compared with control.  

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