Examination of long-term suppression of aphid density through augmentative release of larvae of flightless Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and adults of Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae) onto eggplants in commercial greenhouse, with a combination of sweet alyssum intercropping and brine-shrimp egg provision

Abstract

The aphid-controlling effect of flightless Harmonia axyridis and Aphidius colemani was examined for eggplants, which insectary plants were intercropped with and alternative diet for H. axyridis was supplied on, in a commercial greenhouse in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. By releasing H. axyridis larvae (second and third instar) and A. colemani adults thrice and twice, respectively, onto eggplants intercropped with sweet alyssum Lobularia maritima and with the provision of brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) eggs, density of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae was maintained low for approximately three months (late April–late July).