Exploring the potential of Delphastus davidsoni (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in the biological control of Bemisia tabaci MEAM 1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

• Published in: The Florida entomologist Vol. 107; no. 1
• Main Authors: Canassa, Vinícius F., Marchi-Werle, Lia, Schlick-Souza, Eunice C., Fernandes da Silva, Ivana, Lopes Baldin, Edson L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter 19.07.2024
• Subjects: aspectos biológicos; biological aspects; capacidade predatória; joaninha; lady beetle; mosca-branca; predatory capacity; whitefly
• ISSN: 1938-5102; 1938-5102
• DOI: 10.1515/flaent-2024-0040

Coleopterans within the family Coccinellidae play an important role in the biological control of MEAM1 Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), a worldwide pest. Here we report an initial assessment of the predatory capacity and biological aspects of a South American coccinellid, Gordon (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to immature stages under laboratory conditions. Within the 24 h after release, adults were increasingly more attracted to and consumed six times more fourth instar nymphs than the remaining immature stages. Similarly, larvae also had a greater consumption of fourth instar nymphs within 24 h after release. Within 10 days after larvae release, there were no significant differences in preference between the nymphal stages. Both adults and larvae presented a better biological performance when fed with fourth instar nymphs. The larval developmental time and pupal survival for was optimal when fed fourth instar nymphs. These findings highlight the potential for implementing in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for and warrant further evaluation under greenhouse and semi-field conditions.