Effects of Melia azedarach extract on natural enemies of aphids

ARENA, JULIETA SOLEDAD; FENOGLIO, MARÍA SILVINA; PALACIOS, SARA MARÍA; DEFAGÓ, MARÍA TERESA

Biopesticides International

Koul Research Foundation

Año: 2015 vol. 11 p. 1 - 11

0973-483X

A prerequisite for a biopesticide is that it is safe at the third trophic level. We evaluated the effects of Melia azedarach (L.) (Meliaceae) extract on the predator Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Meneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), which are both natural enemies of aphids. We analysed the topical application and ingestion of treated prey on the predator and the effect of extract ingestion on the parasitoid as well as its oviposition behaviour through choice tests. The extract did not affect the survival of H. convergens, regardless of the state of development and application mode. However, the ingestion of treated aphids caused an increase in the larval development time. The survival of L. testaceipes decreased when ingesting extract, with no oviposition preference shown between treatment and control. These results show that M. azedarach extract is relatively safe for the species analysed, so we suggest its use with care in integrated pest management plans.