The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on development and reproduction of Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae)

Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is one of the most destructive and devastating insect pest of potato and, is notorious for its ability to develop resistance to a wide variety of chemicals. Chemical control has not provided long-term solution to the problems created by CPB until now, and alternative approaches are inevitable. Soil microorganisms are an important factor in soil fertility and the health of plants. Symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a key component of the microbial populations influencing plant growth and uptake of nutrient. By improving rooting and plant establishment, enhancing uptake of low mobile ions, improving nutrient cycling, enhancing plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress factors and enhancing quality of soil structure, AMF may be a useful tool to achieve an optimal nutrient balance that results in both good plant growth and resistance to herbivory in ecologically sound crop management systems. The overall objective of this research is to determine if Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis and Funelliformis mosseae) increases potato tolerance to Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Study was carried out at 242C, 6010 % RH, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h in climate room. Development and reproduction L. decemlineata were investigated on potato plants of cultivar Vangogh treated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and synthetic fertilizer, and untreated plants of the same cultivars. Results showed that, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affected development and reproduction the pest. The life history raw data were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) valuse obtained on pants treated with AMF were lower than thats of plants treated with synthetic fertilizer.