Functional Response and Intraspecific Competition of Three Ladybird Species Feeding on Aphids on Goji Berry Plants in Laboratory and Semi-Field Conditions

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The aphid Aphis gossypii Glover is a serious pest that inflicts severe damage upon goji berry plants in China. The current prevailing approach to pest prevention involves the utilization of chemical insecticides, which presents potential risks to both human health and the environment. The improper use of pesticides leads to the emergence of drug-resistant pests, thereby contributing to the resurgence of rampant pest populations. Therefore, the conservation and management of predators in agricultural ecosystems should receive increased attention, given their crucial role. Ladybirds have previously been identified as the primary predators of aphid species. However, their effectiveness as biological agents against aphids on goji berry plants remains uncertain. We found that the potential of ladybirds in controlling the aphid populations is promising, thus possibly making a contribution to environmental protection. By conducting an analysis of functional responses, intraspecific competition, and a semi-field study, we have determined that H. axyridis and C. septempunctata exhibit greater potential as biocontrol agents against aphids in comparison to H. variegata. Notably, future field studies will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of a biological control program. ABSTRACT: The aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is identified as a significant pest that causes severe damage to goji berries in China. To analyze the ladybird consumption of aphids, the functional responses of three ladybird species, Harmonia axyridis, Coccinella septempunctata, and Hippodamia variegata, and intraspecific competition among ladybird individuals were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Moreover, the practical impact of ladybirds on aphid population reduction was investigated in semi-field conditions. We found that all adult ladybirds of the three species exhibited a type II functional response toward aphids. According to Holling’s disc equation, H. axyridis exhibited the highest searching efficiency (a = 0.79), while C. septempunctata had the shortest handling time (T(h) = 5.07 min) among the three ladybird species studied. Additionally, intraspecific competition had a greater impact on H. variegata (m = 0.41) compared to the other two ladybird species. The semi-field study demonstrated that H. axyridis (83.9% reduction) and C. septempunctata (78.7% reduction) exhibited higher efficacy in reducing aphid populations compared to H. variegata (27.3% reduction). This study suggests that H. axyridis and C. septempunctata exhibit potential as effective biological control agents against aphids on goji berry plants and highlights the importance of considering intraspecific competition. However, the results obtained from laboratory and semi-field studies cannot be directly extrapolated to field conditions due to the simplification of these experimental systems. Future field studies are crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of a biological control program.