| Abstract: | The predator Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium, have been considered as potential biological control against aphids. While it can be difficult to achieve a high control level of Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) using only a single beneficial agent, the research presented here aimed to determine the interaction between L. muscarium and A. bipunctata potential for control against A. fabae. Lecanicillium muscarium was found to cause about 30% mortality in A. bipunctata and with a reduction in feeding by about 15%. However, co-application of A. bipunctata and L. muscarium can cause an addititive effect in reducing aphid populations, resulting in about 90% reduction in aphid populations compared with control treatment. Thus, these two biocontrol agents have the potential to be complementary. This research study demonstrates that it is possible to combine A. bipunctata with L. muscarium to provide a sustainable method for management of A. fabae on broad bean cropping system and that field studies are required. |
