Effect of long-term cold storage on the fitness of pre-wintering <Emphasis Type="Italic">Harmonia axyridis</Emphasis> (Pallas) |
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Authors: | Chang-Chun Ruan Wen-Mei Du Xiu-Mei Wang Jun-Jie Zhang Lian-Sheng Zang |
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Institution: | (1) Engineering Research Center of Natural Enemy Insects, Institute of Biological Control, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, 130118 Changchun, China; |
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Abstract: | The multicolored Asian ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is considered an important generalist predator that can be used as a biological control
agent against Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha, Thysanoptera, and the eggs and larvae of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera. There
are currently abundant natural resources of overwintering H. axyridis in Asia and North America. Given its potential as a biological control agent, methods can be developed to increase its effectiveness
for pest control. The availability of an adequate cold storage method would enable the use of field-collected pre-wintering
ladybirds for pest suppression in the following season. We studied the effect of cold storage (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days
stored at −3, 0, 3 and 6°C) on survival, fecundity and predation in field-collected populations. The survival of both female
and male ladybirds decreased significantly as storage duration increased at −3°C and 0°C. The ladybirds showed more than 80%
survival when they were stored for 150 days at 3°C and 6°C. Long-term cold storage had different effects on the fecundity
of H. axyridis at different temperatures. Prolonged cold storage at both 3°C and 6°C shortened pre-oviposition duration and had no adverse
effect on reproductive capacity as compared to that of unstored individuals. The adults that experienced 90-day storage at
0°C had the shortest pre-oviposition duration and the largest reproductive capacity. The individuals that were stored for
150 days at 3°C consumed significantly more aphids than the unstored ones. Generally, 3–6°C is a suitable temperature for
cold storage of the ladybird without any reduction in fitness. This study will help the exploitation and application of pre-wintering
H. axyridis for the biological control of insect pests. |
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