Feeding and Reproductive Performance of Coccinella undecimpunctata L. on Two Different Apple Aphids for Sustainable Pest Management

Abstract

A key element of integrated pest management (IPM), biological control provides a sustainable substitute for chemical pesticides. The present study aims to evaluate the role of as an important Coccinella undecimpunctata biological control agent in suppressing aphids, and by Aphis pomi, Aphis spirecola studying its biological aspects and predation efficacy under laboratory conditions. Ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) have been shown to be effective natural enemies of aphids and other soft-bodied pests among predator insects. Ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are a species-rich, ecologically diversified group with substantial agricultural and horticultural importance, living in many sorts of terrestrial biomes. The eleven-spotted ladybird, Coccinella undecimpunctata L., is widely distributed and exhibits high reproductive potential, voracious feeding habits, and strong synchrony with prey populations, making it a promising candidate for pest suppression in apple orchards. During observation, it was seen that the feeding pattern of C. undecimpunctata during development followed the order Aphis pomi ˃ Aphis spiraecola. After careful examination, it was seen that Coccinella undecimpunctata adults laid maximum eggs (634 ±67.4) when reared on Aphis pomi in comparison to (402 ±45.25). The 1st ,2nd, 3rd and 4th larval durations averaged 4.5 ± 0.70, 3.4± 0.69, 4.9± 0.87 and 3.9± 0.87 days on when the larvae of the predator were fed on Aphis pomi, respectively, where it was 2.9± 0.73, 2.7± 0.67, 4.9 ±0.87 and 3.9± 0.87 days on Aphis spiraecola. The total larval duration lasted an average of 16.7 ± 1.05 and 12.2 ±1.31 days, Aphis pomi and Aphis spiraecola, respectively. Adult female longevity was longer than that of males, with mean values of 48.8 ± 2.97 and 39.5 ± 2.27 days on the respective hosts. These results support the inclusion of C. undecimpunctata in sustainable pest management strategies by highlighting its potential as a promising biological control agent against apple aphids.