Effect of temperature on development and predation capacity of Adalia decempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) reared on Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Objective: In the study, the effect of temperature on the pupa and larvae development times, mortality and predation rates of Adalia decempunctata L. (Col.: Coccinellidae) larvae fed with the third and fourth stage nymphs of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hem.: Aphididae) were investigated. Material and Methods: The trials were carried out in climate room conditions 16/8 h light/darkness, 20, 25, 30, 35±1°C temperature and 60±5% relative humidity. Fixed numbers of third and fourth instar M. persicae nymphs were given to each larval stage of the predator as prey. The trials included 30-72 replicates for larvae and 15 replicates for adult males and females. Results: The development times were shortened by increasing temperature. Total development times of A. decempunctata, excluded egg stage were 14,76; 13,72 and 12,17 days at 20, 25, 30°C, respectively. The highest mortality was obtained at 35°C (100%), followed by 20°C (61.82%), 30°C (23.33%) and 25°C (15.28%), respectively. In addition, predation rates (Cxj) were similar at 25°C and 30°C, with the highest net predation rate at 25°C (C0 506.81). The predation rate in the fourth larvae stage was higher than the other larvae stages. Conclusion: It has been determined that A. decempunctata can be successfully rearing at 25°C, and it can be more effective in areas and seasons where the average temperatures are between 25-30°C. Keywords: Myzus persicae, Adalia decempunctata, Biological control, Predation, Temperature Effect