Sugar feeding by coccinellids under field conditions: The effects of sugar sprays in soybean

Michael P. Seagraves, Yukie Kajita, Donald C. Weber, John J. Obrycki, Jonathan G. Lundgren

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sucrose was applied weekly throughout the growing season at three US locations (South Dakota [SD], Maryland [MD], and Kentucky [KY]), and coccinellids and aphids (Aphis glycines Matsumura [Hemiptera: Aphididae]) were sampled 24 h later. Total coccinellid densities were 50-77% greater in sugar-sprayed soybean than in untreated plots. Coccinella septempuncata L., Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, and Harmonia axyridis Pallas were more abundant where sugar was applied. Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) was found in equally low numbers in all treatments. Aphid densities were similar in both treatments, and only reached economically threatening levels in SD. Coccinellids digested sugar meals within 1 h of consumption (measured using the cold anthrone test). Despite this narrow window of detection, field-collected coccinellids frequently tested positive for fructose. Under natural conditions, sugar is commonly ingested by coccinellids and sugar sprays increase coccinellid densities and their consumption of sugar. Sugar sprays did not enhance biological control of aphids in this experiment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)305-314
Number of pages10
JournalBioControl
Volume56
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011

Keywords

  • Anthrone
  • Aphis glycines
  • Conservation biological control
  • Food spray
  • Non-prey foods
  • Omnivory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Insect Science

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