tri-trophic interaction among host plants, aphid species, and coccinella undecimpunctata l. under laboratory conditions

Tri-trophic interaction among host plants, aphid species, and the predator, Coccinella undecimpunctata L. under laboratory conditions were studied. The developmental time of immature stages, survival percentage, and consumption of Coccinella undecimpunctata L. by feeding on Aphis gossypii Glover, Myzus persicae Sulzer and Aphis craccivora Koch that were reared on each of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants was also determined. In respect of the developmental time of immature stages, the overall model, or among host plants or host plants-aphid species interaction indicated that there was no significant variation. Meanwhile, among aphid species, there was a significant variation. No significant differences occurred for survival as an overall model. Among host plants or aphid species or host plants-aphid species interaction, there was no significant variation. Regarding the consumption of the larval stage, the overall model, host plants, aphid species, or host plants-aphid species interaction revealed that there was a significant variation. Clearly, the results of this study indicated that the developmental time of immature stages, survival percentage, and consumption of C. undecimpunctata by feeding on A. gossypii, M. persicae and A. craccivora that were reared on each of eggplant, potatoes, and faba bean plants had effects on the biological characteristics of this predator.