Study on the efficacy of ladybird beetle as a biological control agent against aphids ( Chaitophorus spp .)

Abstract

The Present study was carried out in laboratory of Entomology Department (28 oC, 65% RH) at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi during the year 2012. Fully matured ladybird beetles and aphids (Chaitophorus spp.) were collected from the willow trees in front of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi on April 2, 2012. These natural enemies were reared on the aphids for the collection of larvae of ladybird beetles. The results from the current study show that there was significant control of Chaitophorus spp. by the ladybird beetles. The efficacy of ladybeetle from 1st to 3rd instars against Chaitophorus spp. was tested during the whole experiment. The immature stage of the beetles instars when feed on aphids have more survival rate and grows very fast. So the efficacy of ladybird beetle against the Chaitophorus species is very good. Plants can be saved from the attack of aphid by using the ladybird beetles.