Biocontrol Potential of Asian Ladybird Beetle: Life Table Analysis Across Age and Temperature
摘要
This study examines the life cycle and predation rates of Harmonia dimidiata (Asian ladybird beetle) at four distinct temperatures (18, 22, 26, and 30 °C) under controlled conditions, aiming to understand its potential as a biocontrol agent. The lady bird beetles were maintained in a controlled environment with a relative humidity of 65 ± 10% and a 15:9 light-dark photoperiod. The rate of reproduction (R0) of asian lady bird beetlewere determined to be 182.64, 199.77, 211.31, and 46.84 individuals at 18, 22, 26, and 30 °C, respectively. At 18 °C, the maximum gross reproductive rate (GRR) was 296.85, while at 30 °C, the lowest was 92.50. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) peaked at 30 °C (0.1122) while the lowest point was 18 °C (0.0493). These results demonstrate how temperature affects beetle eating potential, development, survival, and fecundity, with 26 and 30 °C providing the best conditions. The means of population parameters were estimated using both the bootstrap and jackknife approaches; the bootstrap results fitted a normal distribution, whereas the jackknife results produced some physiologically nonsensical zero values for R0. The study indicates that Harmonia dimidiata is a more effective biocontrol agent for Rhopalosiphum padi at 26 and 30 °C compared to lower temperatures. This insight can help optimize integrated pest management strategies.