Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Apple pests are one of the critical problems for increasing or sustaining apple production. Among these, the rosy apple aphid (RAA), Dysaphis plantaginea (D. plantaginea), is arguably the worst. Studies showed that artificial honeydew could significantly divert black garden ants, Lasius niger (L.niger), from aphid colonies and indirectly improve the foraging environment for natural enemies (NE). However, it is unknown how the intervention duration influences the suppression of RAA. In the present study, we placed a 20% sucrose solution mixed with amino acids at the base of each tree to divert ants and indirectly control aphids and tested the efficacy of these artificial honeydews under three kinds of treatment duration. Further, to increase the numerical response of NE, attractants embedded in a wax matrix were placed in the tree. While artificial honeydew diverted ants from aphids, early removal of the solution caused a rebound in the number of ants. Lures didn’t increase the presence of NE in RAA colonies, possibly due to a late start of intervention. The data of control of RAA contrasted with results in previous years, possibly due to late intervention not diverting tending ants sufficiently. The timely application appears critical in suppressing RAA by using artificial honeydew.