Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) as suitable prey for Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Miridae) population increase on pepper plants

Life table parameters and other biological characteristics were estimated for the predator Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) when fed on pepper plant/leaves with or without prey Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae). The experiments were conducted at 15, 20, 25, and 30degreesC, under a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h and at 65 +/- 5% RH. Egg incubation was shortest at 30degreesC (10.5 d), egg hatch percentage reached 90% at 20degreesC, sex ratio was 78% at 25degreesC, and preoviposition period was shortest at 25degreesC (6.1 d). Only females with access to prey were able to reproduce. Fecundity was highest at 20degreesC (203.9 eggs). Females and males survived longer at 15degreesC (120.7 and 132.9 d, respectively). When provided with prey, M. pygmaeus can increase its numbers at all temperatures tested. Its intrinsic rate of increase and doubling time were highest at 25degreesC (0.0958 d(-1) and 7.2 d, respectively). The lowest temperature threshold for population increase was 9.06degreesC. In the absence of prey, the predator did not oviposit, but females and males survived for a relatively long time at 15degreesC (26.5 and 28.7 d, respectively) and for a shorter time as temperature increased. The results indicate that M. pygmaeus performs very well when it feeds on the aphid M. persicae on pepper plants. Although the pepper plant can support adults, it does not permit population increase when prey is not available. However, these results are discussed with other findings in the context of a better and more effective use of this predator for biological control of M. persicae on pepper plant.