Developmental Analysis and Predatory Potential of Eupeodes Corollae (fabricius, 1794) (diptera: Syrphidae) Against Aphids: A Practical Approach of Biological Control

Aphids are the pest species that cause huge economic loss in the agroecosystem. To control these pests, agrochemicals are widely used but health-related, and many environmental issues have discouraged using these chemicals in the cropland ecosystem. This study used a syrphid fly predator, Eupeodes corollae (Syrphidae; Diptera) (Fabricius, 1794), as a biocontrol agent against aphid species including Rhopalosiphum padi, Schizaphis graminum, Brevicoryne brassicae and Myzus persicae. Linear regression analysis showed an association between prey and predator. A strong association (r2 = 0.8588) between E. corollae and B. brassicae was examined in the experiment trial. Life cycle analysis showed the food consumption (aphids) by each larval stage, total food consumption (aphids), and adult life span. The maximum consumption was found at the 3rd instar stage and B. brassicae consumed more than other aphids (69.96 & PLUSMN; 0.63). At the adult stage, E. corollae fed more preferably on the B. brassicae and R. padi. The life cycle stages of E. corollae while consuming aphids' species were determined and found that the short life cycle was shown by the R. padi (0.83 & PLUSMN; 0.08) and longer was shown by B. brassicae (1.45 & PLUSMN; 0.49). At the pupal stage of E. corollae, maximum development time was noted on the B. brassicae (3.62 & PLUSMN; 1.21) and the least on the S. & PLUSMN;