Nature, source of inspiration for innovation: Chrysopidae
(Chrysopidae) against aphids
The chrysopidae (Chrysopidae) are a family of insects of the
order Neuróptera; They are known by several common names such as lacewings,
green lacewings, lacewings with green wings, golden eyes, lion aphids, lace
wings and pretty fairies, green lacewing or lacewing. There are between
1,300-2,000 species in this group.
The adults are green to pale brown, the veins of the wings
contrast in their two pairs of transparent wings, and their eyes are golden or
yellow coppery. The crisópidos are cosmopolitan, they live especially in areas
of great vegetation and agricultural. Larvae are predators of other soft-bodied
arthropods; They are also cannibals, and a few adults are predators, like
Chrysopa. The majority feeds on protein secretions.
Because they are generalist predators, some chrysopids are
used for pest control programs; the best-known genus is the cosmopolitan
Chrysoperla and others to a lesser degree, such as the subfamily Chrysopinae.
In mass production in special modules, up to 2,000,000 eggs
are obtained daily; The cost is high because you have to avoid cannibalism,
using substrates, special designs and timely release. In the field, it is used
in inoculation (introduction), increase (raise the local population) or flood.
Adults can survive and reproduce by spraying enriched molasses for food.
Aphids, known as aphids, damage a wide variety of host plants
by sucking juices from leaves and stems, causing discoloration, battered
leaves, yellowing and atrophy, because these plants no longer grow. Large
infestations produce a sticky, sugary residue, known as molasses. The molasses
attracts ants and causes the growth of fungi on the surfaces of plants. Aphids
can transmit viruses to plants, injecting them into the plant while feeding.
These viruses cause mutations, yellowish color, low yields in vegetables and
ornamental plants. In the average life time of a month, aphids can have 40-85
young. Some aphids or aphids have wings.
Aphids do not measure more than 4 mm, have a bulbous abdomen
and many different colors. It is one of the most destructive pests of crops in
temperate regions. Winged aphids are very harmful because they destroy plants
much more quickly than others. The aphids are more active, between 65 ° to 80 °
F, the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, increases the aphid proliferation.
The dense canopies of trees form the favorite habitat of aphids.
The use of the principles of Integrated Pest Management or IPM
(promotion of biodiversity in trees, use of physical fighting means,
application of biological products, release of auxiliaries, and minimization of
the use of authorized phytosanitary products) has allowed the control of pests
without negative side effects in the environment.
The biological fight is the most respectful alternative in the
control of pests for its environmental advantages and respectful of sustainable
development and the conservation of natural resources, by reducing the
contamination of phytosanitary chemical products. It is important to create a
habitat for insects that feed or are aphid predators. These insects are
ladybugs, parasitic wasps and lacewings; therefore, the use of broad-spectrum
insecticides should be avoided, and the availability of nectar should be
facilitated throughout the season.
In the control of pests, mites, aphids, lepidopteran larvae,
phytophagous hymenoptera and aphids have been successfully controlled; the
aphid of the rose bush (Macrosiphum rosae), among others.
European regulations require the banning of chemical
pesticides in urban environments. Since 2014, the competent authorities have
been instructed to minimize or eliminate the use of phytosanitary products or
other pesticides in green spaces open to the general public. Included are the
spaces used by the general public, green areas with ornamental vegetation or
shade, dedicated to leisure, recreation or sports (parks and gardens for public
use outdoors, trees, greenhouses, spaces occupied by plants in work centers,
study centers, commercial centers, libraries, cultural centers, etc., sports
fields, spaces used by vulnerable groups in gardens or nurseries, nursing
homes.
References
Áfidos - Plagas y Enfermedades
AFIDOS
Insectos
Beneficiosos: Crisopas Verdes
Chrysopidae
Chrysopidae
¿PORQUE UTILIZAR
LA LUCHA BIOLÓGICA EN EL CONTROL DE PLAGAS?, 7 SEPT 2018
