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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Ecological Characteristics of Aphidophagous Menochilus Sexmaculatus Fabricus and its Performance Against Aphis Gossypii Glover

(Indonesia), Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology (Universiti Pertanian Malaysia)

Dissertation Abstract:

 

The chili aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera Aphididae) (AG), is vector of the chili veinal mottle virus (CVMV) and a main pest of chili in Malaysia. The aphidophagous Menochilus sexmaculatus Fabricus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) (MS) is a well-known predator of the aphid. Its ecological characteristics and predatory performance were assessed.

In nature, MS maintained its population on aphids of corn, beans, sambau weed, and other plants. The predator searched its prey in random manner and tended to aggregate in high prey density. Both prey and predator were distributed in a clumped pattern.

Larval and adult MS showed no preference for any prey stages and prey species. However, there was a weak preference for AG over Aphis craccivora Koch. MS was very voracious; the larva (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in star) and adu It consumed 8, 43, 46, 125, and 275 third in star equivalents (TIES) of AG per day, respectively. The mimimum prey requirement for oviposition was 50 TIES per day. The adult survived well when supplied with 10 TIES per day.

The average fecu ndity was 378 to 745 eggs, depending on aphid prey species (A. craccivora and Hysteroneura setariae (Thos)). The predator numbers increased at the rate (rm) of0. 1663 to 0.2116, while a higher rm for the prey, AG, was calculated to be 0.4097-0.4645. The predator exhibited a delayed density-dependent relationship with the prey as indicated by a strong functional response of Holling's Type II and a direct numerical response to AG.

In the field cages. MS was able to eliminate its prey (AG) population within nine days given the initial ratio (mated female MS:AG) of 1:6,4000.

In the open field, AG population was suppressed completely within three weeks given the ratio (predator: prey) of 1:50.

Results of the study may contribute to the development of a biological control program of aphid vector in Malaysia and other countries where the MS is found.