Life history parameters and feeding preference of the green lacewing Ceraeochrysa cubana fed with virus-free and potato leafroll virus-infected Myzus persicae

Abstract

The sap-feeding aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) causes significant damage to potato crops and is a main transmitter of potato leafroll virus (PLRV). The lacewing Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen.1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a natural predator of the aphid and an important biological control agent. The aim of this study was to determine whether the biological characteristics and feeding preferences of the predator are modified by PLRV-infected aphids. The larval and pupal stages of lacewings fed on PLRV-free M. persicae were prolonged in comparison with those of predators provided with PLRV-infected aphids or eggs of Ephestia kuehniella, although larval, pupal and adult predator survivals were not affected significantly by dietary regime. Ingestion of PLRV-infected aphids reduced the proportion of fertile female lacewings and increased their pre-oviposition period, but had no effect on fecundity or egg viability. In laboratory bioassays, the predator showed no preference for PLRV-infected or PLRV-free aphids.