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Journal article
Evaluation of the green lacewing, Mallada signatus as a biological control agent for the invasive tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli
Journal of Applied Entomology, Vol.148(7), pp.738-745
2024
Abstract
The tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc, originating from North and Central America, poses a serious threat to Solanaceae crops in Australia. This study investigates the potential of the Australian native and commercially available green lacewing, Mallada signatus Schneider, as a biological control agent for B. cockerelli. The effect of feeding on B. cockerelli on the development rate and survival, of M. signatus were evaluated. Further, a greenhouse cage study was conducted to determine the optimal density of M. signatus larvae needed to effectively control an established B. cockerelli population. In our study, the third instar larvae of M. signatus consumed over 75 B. cockerelli nymphs in 24 h. Following the introduction of M. signatus larvae to caged tomato plants, eight M. signatus larvae per caged tomato plant decreased B. cockerelli population by 64% at the end of the sampling. These results indicated M. signatus, particularly at the larval stage, is an effective biological control option for B. cockerelli, especially in greenhouse tomato cultivation. This research offers valuable insights for the Australian horticultural industry, presenting a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional, chemical pesticide-reliant pest management strategies.
Details
- Title
- Evaluation of the green lacewing, Mallada signatus as a biological control agent for the invasive tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli
- Authors/Creators
- Natasha ZhouShovon Chandra SarkarFran Hoyle - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Farming SystemsWei Xu - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
- Publication Details
- Journal of Applied Entomology, Vol.148(7), pp.738-745
- Publisher
- Wiley-VCH GmbH.
- Identifiers
- 991005664669007891
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Food Futures Institute; School of Agricultural Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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