Augmentative releases for aphid control on landscape plants

Abstract

This report summarizes the findings of four augmentative releases of insect predators, lady beetles and lacewings, for controlling aphids on landscape plants. Releases of the Hippodamia convergens convergent lady beetle and Coccinella septempunctata seven spotted lady beetle reduced populations of Aphis spiraecola spirea aphid on firethorn when dispersal was limited. Neither species of lady beetle reduced populations of Eriosoma sp. wooly aphids on firethorn. A field release of convergent lady beetles was followed by reduced aphid populations on Elaeagnus. Releases of Chrysoperla rufilabris lacewings on stonecrop and hawthorn provided no evidence of reductions in aphid populations. Some impediments to the success of augmentative releases in landscapes are discussed. -Authors