Assessing the biocontrol potential of Apertochrysa astur Banks (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) against aphids using life table, predation and projection analyses

Abstract

Intensive agriculture, with its growing reliance on synthetic pesticides, has directly contributed to insect pest resistance while posing health risks through chemical residues in food. This critical situation underscores the need for alternative, environmentally friendly pest management strategies. In this context, an experiment was conducted to investigate the biology, life table, and population parameters of the generalist predator Apertochrysa astur Banks (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on three aphid species: Aphis craccivora (Koch), Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus), and Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach). A. astur achieved higher survival and shorter developmental durations when fed on A. craccivora compared to the other aphids. The mean generation time (T) was shortest on A. craccivora (53.79 days), followed by B. brassicae (57.78 days) and L. erysimi (59.58 days). Values of intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were highest on A. craccivora (0.0868 days⁻¹ and 1.0896, respectively), indicating superior population growth potential. Predation potential was also highest on A. craccivora, with net predation rate (C₀) reaching 349.13 preys/individual, and higher finite (ω = 127.44 preys) and stable (φ = 116.99 preys) predation rates than on B. brassicae and L. erysimi. The results confirm that while A. astur can complete its life cycle on all three aphid species, A. craccivora supports optimal development, reproduction, and predation performance. These findings highlight the significance of prey quality in enhancing the effectiveness of biological control programs.