Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences 4(1): 26-40, 2008

Biology and predation potential of the Indian ladybird Serangium montazerii on Bemisia tabaci

Abstract:

Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hom., Aleyrodidae) is a key pest on vegetables in Jordan. To control this pest using the specialist whiteflies’ predator, Serangium montazerii Fürsch (Col., Coccinellidae), it was important to investigate the predator's development, mortality, longevity, fecundity and predation on B. tabaci at two temperature regimes. Results indicated that S. montazerii developed on B. tabaci with a mean total duration of 19.98 and 17.35 days at 25±1°C and 23-33°C, respectively. Total mortality of S. montazerii was 27% and 46% at 25±1°C and 23-33°C, respectively. The longevity of S. montazerii females and males was not significantly different at both temperatures. Mean total fecundity was significantly higher at 25±1°C than at 23-33°C with 228.1 vs. 143.3 eggs/♀, respectively. The S. montazerii larvae consumed during their development significantly more B. tabaci immatures at 25±1°C (1541.9) than at 23-33°C (1095.4). Adults of S. montazerii consumed a total of 7805.0 and 7501.7 immatures of B. tabaci at 25±1°C and 23-33°C, respectively. In conclusion, S. montazerii seems to have a potential to be employed in biological control programmes to control B. tabaci in Jordan.