Determination of Population Parameters of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Fed on Walnut Aphids, (Chromaphis juglandicola (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera:Aphididae) and Panaphis juglandis (Goeze) (Hemiptera:Callaphididae))

Abstract

Small walnut aphid (Chromaphis juglandicola (Kalt.) (Hem.: Aphididae) and Dusky-veined walnut aphid (Panaphis juglandis) (Goeze) (Hemiptera: Callaphididae) are important pests in walnut orchards in Lake Van Basin, Turkey. Aphids, which are colonized separately in the upper and lower parts of the walnut leaf, cause loss of quality and quantity in the walnut when their population is dense. In this study, population growth rate parameters based on feeding with both aphids of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), which is one of the important predators of the pest, were determined. The experiments were carried out in climatic rooms under 25±10°C, 65±5% humidity and 16: 8 (L: D) h (5,000 lux) lighting time conditions. Life table parameters were estimated according to age-stage, two-sex life table method. The values obtained for the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) were 0.082 d-1, 1.082 d-1, 59.47 offspring and 49.76 d, respectively of C. carnea fed on Chromaphis juglandicola and Panaphis juglandis. Results obtained might be used in pest management program that will be prepared for the aphids.