Biological control of Macrosiphum rosae (Hemiptera : Aphididae)‎ infesting rose plants by releasing the predator Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae)‎ under glasshouse

Abstract EN

The rose aphid Macrosiphum rosae L.

(Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most important pests on roses (Rosa gallica) in the world and it causes economic damage.

This study was carried out to evaluate the management of rose aphid M.

rosae by releasing different levels of the seven spotted lady beetle Coccinella septempunctata L.

(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

This study was carried out at two locations (Governorates), Elorman Garden (Giza Governorate) and International Garden (Alexandria Governorate) during season 2018 under glasshouse conditions.

At Giza Governorate, in the first level of release (30 eggs/plant), the reduction percentages in the population of M.

rosae increased gradually whereas it were 25.0, 37.0, 46.9, 59.8 and 69.5% on mid-February, first-March, mid-March, first-April and mid-April, respectively.

Also, in the second level of release (60 eggs/plant) the reduction percentages in the population increased gradually whereas it were 28.4, 42.2, 54.7, 65.1 and 73.8% in the same dates, respectively.

Lastly, in the third level of release (90 eggs/plant) the reduction percentages in the population increased gradually whereas it were 32.2, 47.7, 58.4, 68.2 and 77.2% in the same dates, respectively.

The same trend was achieved at Alexandria Governorate.

Statistical analysis showed that were highly significant differences between the three releasing levels (30, 60 and 90 eggs/plant) of C.

septempunctata predator in reduction of M.

rosae at both the two locations compared to control.