Influence of the density of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on the biological aspects and predatory capacity of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v28i2.1076

Abstract

The influence of different densities of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) reared on sweet pepper leaves, Capsicum annuum L., was evaluated on biological aspects and on the predatory capacity of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen). The newly emerged larvae of predator were fed with aphid nymphs, offered in the densities of 50% below the average daily consumption, 50% above that consumption, and on sweet pepper foliar discs maintained in Petri dishes at 25ºC. The aphid density affected C. externa, consumption during the instars and larvae stage, occurring high prey consumption with the density increase. The average duration of each instar and larvae stage was higher when the prey density was 50% below the average consumption. The percentage of surviving larvae during the instars and larvae stage became higher with the density increase. Prey densities did not affect adult fecundity and eggs viability.