Effect of different larval instars of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton on some biological aspects of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) under laboratory conditions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Predatory potential of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) was studied on different larval instars of Phyllocnistis citrella (i.e. second, third and mixture of all larval instars) under laboratory conditions (26± 2ºC, 65±5% R.H, 16:8 L: D photo period).
Results revealed that feeding and rearing on different larval instars of P. citrella affected predator biology with different degrees. It had no significant effect on incubation period of      C. carnea eggs females, pupation period, adult longevity and pre-and post - oviposition periods. On the other hand, it had significant effect on C. carnea larval period and its survival, female fecundity and eggs fertility. In general, third instar larvae of P. citrella was the most preferred prey for C. carnea. The results illustrate the potential importance of prey resources (life stage) on C. carnea population growth and indicate that           C. carnea has considerable potential for the biological control of P. citrella.

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