Management of canola aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) using potassium silicate (K2SiO3) in integration with Chrysoperla carnea Stephens
摘要
The development of resistance in insects to many synthetic insecticides has prompted researchers to explore eco-friendly integrated pest management strategies to keep the pest population below their threshold levels. Aphids are considered serious pests of canola crops that cause considerable economic losses. In this study, silicon was used in combination with Chrysoperla carnea to manage aphids on canola crops. Silicon was applied in the form of potassium silicate (K2SiO3) using foliar and soil-drenching methods. In both applications, different concentrations of silicon (400, 800, and 1200 ppm) were used. First application was done after 30 days of plant emergence, second application at 45 days of emergence and 3rd application was done after 15 days of 2nd application. Twenty-five cards of C. carnea were augmented in combination with silicon in both foliar and drenching application treatments. There were four replications for each of the three treatments using the RCBD layout. The data were recorded regularly in both treated and untreated plots. The lowest aphid population recorded was 10.50 ± 0.95c aphids per 10 cm of inflorescences after the third application of K2SiO3 at 1200 ppm concentration. Minimum aphid’s numbers (13 ± 1.29 per 10 cm of the inflorescence) were observed after foliar application of K2SiO3 at 1200 ppm. Overall, the soil-drenching application of potassium silicate showed significant efficacy compared to the foliar application. The integration of C. carnea with the soil drenching application of potassium silicate resulted in a greater reduction of the aphid population (7.00 ± 0.91 per 10 cm of inflorescence) as compared to foliar application. This study is valuable for the sustainable management of aphids in canola crops and highlights the need for additional trials under diverse environmental conditions.