Journal of Phytopathology and Pest Management 5(3): 29-42, 2018
pISSN:2356-8577 eISSN: 2356-6507
Journal homepage: http://ppmj.net/
∗
Corresponding author:
A.K. Abou El-Saad,
E-mail: ehabkamelnan@yahoo.com
29
Copyright © 2018
Some ecological aspects of main pests and
predators incidence on sweet basil in Assiut
governorate, Egypt
A.K. Abou El-Saad
*
Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Keywords: Piercing sucking pests, predaceous species, sweet basil, survey.
30
Introduction
During the last few years, medicinal and
aromatic plants are considered important
crops in Egypt for human and exporting;
they are used as food and for industry to
produce drugs, cosmetics and others.
Nowadays, the area cultivated with these
plants are increased, especially in the
newly reclaimed lands to cope the
increasing needs for local consumption as
well for export purpose through the
government encourages the expansion in
cultivation of medicinal and aromatic
plants in Egypt, such as sweet basil,
O.
basilicum
. Many destructive pest species,
e.g. piercing sucking pests, cause a
reduction in crop quantity and quality of
sweet basil. Therefore, it is necessary and
valuable to study those pests that cause an
economic damage. The available
literature revealed that there is a little
known knowledge about the pests
infesting sweet basil (Osman et al., 2017;
Abou El-Nour, 2016; Amaar, 2010;
Banjo et al., 2006). Also, beneficial
insects such as predators and visitors can
play an important role that affect
productivity of sweet basil. Number of
investigators has surveyed the predators
on different medicinal and aromatic
plants (Lubiarz et al., 2013; Abd El-
Megid, 2007; Abdel-Moniem & Abd El-
Wahab, 2006; Hammad & Mohsen, 2000;
El-Kordy et al., 1998). Therefore, the
current study aims to survey the main
pests, predators and visitors species
incidence on sweet basil and to study
their average numbers as well as the
relationship between them.
Materials and methods
Field experiments:
Field ecological
experiments were carried out at Arab El-
Awamer (semi-arid newly reclaimed
land) Abnob, Assiut Governorate, Egypt
during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons
to survey the pests, predators and visitors
species that found on sweet basil. An
area of about 525 m
2
was prepared and
divided into suitable plots for growing
sweet basil,
Osimum basilicum
L. and
was sown on the 1
st
of April in both
growing seasons. The area received
normal practices and was not subjected
to any chemical control application
during the period of investigation.
Sampling techniques:
Two sampling
techniques were used, namely plant
samples and sweeping net. The
experimental area was divided into three
replications (each 175 m
2
). Samples of
20 leaves were weekly collected at
random from each replicate, starting
from the beginning of June till the end of
August during the two seasons. The
samples were placed in polyethylene
bags and transferred to the laboratory,
where they were carefully examined
using a binocular microscope. The stages
of pests and predators were counted and
recorded. The sweeping net was 30 cm
in diameter and 60 cm in depth. Each
week, 15-double strokes were taken by
walking diagonally across the
experimental area from one corner to the
opposite one. The catches were killed
using a jar containing calcium cyanide.
Samples were examined in the laboratory
by the aid of a binocular microscope and
the number of main pests and predators
were recorded.
Statistical analysis:
Obtained data were
statistically analyzed according to the
analysis of variance (ANOVA)
procedure and the L.S.D. were used to
determine the significance between
31
weekly average mean numbers of main
pests from one side and predators from
other side, and the correlation (r) and
regression (b) coefficients were
calculated using SAS program (SAS
Institute, 1994).
Results and Discussion
Faunistic composition of arthropod
pests, predators and visitors on sweet
basil:
Thirty eight arthropod species
belongs to 27 families and 10 orders
found on sweet basil were recorded as
indicated in Table (1). Destructive pest
species comprised 20 species belong to
14 families and 7 orders. Order
Hemiptera (Homoptera and Heteroptera)
ranked first in the number of species (5
sp.) per each recorded on sweet basil,
followed by Orthoptera and Lepidoptera
(3 sp. for each) then Diptera (2 sp.),
whereas Thysanoptera and Acari (1 sp.
for each). Predaceous species compiled
13 species of 10 families and 6 orders.
Order Coleoptera ranked the first in
number of species (4 sp.) recorded on
sweet basil, followed by Hemiptera-
Heteroptera and Acari (3 sp. for each),
whereas Thysanoptera and Hymenoptera
(1 sp. for each). Five visitor species
belongs to 5 families and 3 orders. Order
Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera ranked the
first in the numbers of species (2 sp. for
each), whereas Diptera had a one species
.These insect visitors may play a role in
cross pollination. The previous obtained
results are in agreement with the findings
of the following investigators; Osman et
al. (2017) recorded that 29 insect species
belongs to 25 families and 10 orders
associated with three studied medicinal
and aromatic plants (roselle, thyme and
sweet basil) and 7 predaceous insect
species belongs to 5 families and 5
orders were found on previous plants.
Similar trends were recorded by
Metwally et al. (2005), Abd El-Moneim
and Abd El-Wahab (2006), Ismail et al.
(2010) and Ismail et al. (2016).
Seasonal abundance of the main pests
found on sweet basil:
Average numbers
of the main pests found on sweet basil
were presented in Tables (2 and 3)
during the two successive growing
seasons 2017 and 2018.
Seasonal abundance of
Tetranychus
urticae
found on sweet basil:
As shown
in Tables (2 and 3), the average numbers
of the individuals (moving stages)
appeared during the first week of June
were 1.00 and 1.33 during 2017 and
2018 seasons, respectively. Thereafter,
the population increased gradually in the
fourth and third week of July recording
16.33 and 21.67 during 2017 and 2018
seasons, respectively, then decreased
until the end of the two seasons. Also,
the highest percent of monthly averages
for
T. urticae
individuals were 72.54 and
72.41% through 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively and was recorded during
July which considered the most favorable
month for the mite activity; meanwhile in
June the lowest percent of monthly
averages for
T. urticae
individuals were
7.49 and 7.39% during 2017 and 2018
seasons, respectively. The present
findings are in quite proportional with
those obtained by El-Doksh (2006) who
revealed that the population density of
T.
urticae
on soybean reached its maximum
during July through the two seasons of
the study. Abou El-Saad (2008) indicated
32
that, the monthly average numbers of the
two-spotted spider were noticed in July
and August during the two successive
seasons of 2006 and 2007 on peanut.
Hagrass et al. (2008) revealed that the
peak of
T. urticae
recorded during July
on cotton and eggplant. Safar (2010)
noticed the high population of
T. urticae
during July on spearmint and
peppermint. Abou El-Saad (2015
)
indicated that the average number of the
two-spotted spider mite,
T. urticae
ranked the highest abundant during the
second week of July in the two seasons
of 2013 and 2014 seasons on
watermelon.
Table 1: Taxonomic list of arthropod pests, predators and visitors recovered by plant sample and sweeping net from sweet
basil plantations during 2017 and 2018 season in Assiut governorate, Egypt.
Order
Family
Common name
Species
Status
Orthoptera
Acrididae
Grosshopper
Aiolopus strepens (Latr.)
Pest
The migratory locust
Locusta migratoria L.
Pest
Gryllotalpidae
European male cricket
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L.
Pest
Thysanoptera
Thripidae
Onion thrips
Thrips tabaci (Lindeman)
Pest
Predatory thrips
Scolothrips longicornis Priesnes
Predator
Hemiptera-
homoptera
Aphididae
Melon or cotton aphid
Aphis gossypii (Glover)
Pest
Green peach aphid
Myzus persicae (Sulzer)
Pest
Aleyrodidae
Sweet potato whitefly
Bemisia taaci (Genn.)
Pest
Cicadellidae
Green leaf hopper
Empoasca decipiens (Paoli)
Pest
Cotton jassid
Empoasca lybica (de Berg)
Pest
Hemiptera-
heteroptera
Anthocoridae
Predatory bug
Orius albidipennis (Rossi)
Predator
Lygaeidae
Pentatomomorpha
Geocoris megacephalus (Rossi)
Predator
False chinch bug
Nysius cymoides Spinola
Pest
Cotton seed bug
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa)
Pest
Nabidae
Pale damsel bug
Nabis capsiformis (Grmer)
Predator
Miridae
Plant or leaf bug
Campylomma impicta (Wagner)
Pest
British bug
Phytocoris ulmi (L.)
Pest
Pentatomidae
Stink bug
Nezara viridula (L.)
Pest
Neuropteran
Chrysopidae
Green lacewings
Chrysopa carnea (Steph.)
Predator
Lepidoptera
Noctuidae
Black cutworm
Agrotis ipsilon (Huf.)
Pest
Pieridae
Cabbage white butterfly
Pieris rapae L.
Visitor
Nymphalidae
Painted lady butterfly
Vanessa cardui L.
Visitor
Pyraustidae
The European corn borer
Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.
Pest
Lycaenidae
Blue butterfly
Cosmolyce baeticus L.
Pest
Coleopteran
Coccinellidae
Ladybird beetle
Coccinella undecimpunctata (L.)
Predator
Lady beetle
Scymnus interruptus Goeze
Predator
Blck lady beetle
Stethorus punctillum Weise
Predator
Styphylinidae
Rove beetle
Paederus alfierii (Koch)
Predator
Hymenoptera
Syrphidae
The syrphid fly
Syrphus corolla (F.)
Predator
Apidae
Honey bee
Apis mellifera L.
Visitor
Vespidae
Oriental hornet
Vespa orientalis L.
Visitor
Diptea
Muscidae
House fly
Musca domestica L.
Visitor
Agromyzidae
American serpentine leaf miner
Liriomyza trifolii Burges
Pest
Broad bean leafminer
Liriomyza congesta Becker
Pest
Acari
Tetranychidae
Two spotted spider mite
Tetranychus urticae Koch
Pest
Phytoseiidae
Predaceous mite
Phytoseiulus persimilis (A.-H.)
Predator
The predatory mite
Neoseiulus californicus (Mc Gregor)
Predator
Stigmaeidae
Predaceous mite
Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez
Predator
33
Table 2: Average numbers of main pests on sweet basil plant during 2017 season in Assiut governorate, Egypt.
Tetranychus urticae
Bemisia tabaci
Aphis gossypii
Empoasca decipiens
Thrips tabaci
Moving
stage
Monthly
average
(%)
Immature
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Nymph
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Nymph
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
1.00
3.33
0.67
4.33
1.33
1.67
3.00
1.00
5.00
1.33
1.33
4.67
0.67
5.33
1.00
2.00
9.67
1.67
11.33
1.33
1.50
7.49
5.17
12.77
1.00
3.96
6.50
11.26
1.25
7.06
15.67
15.67
3.00
20.00
3.00
14.00
19.67
4.33
21.67
11.67
15.00
22.00
6.00
29.00
13.67
16.33
22.67
6.33
41.33
15.00
11.67
25.33
7.67
35.67
11.00
14.53
72.54
21.07
52.04
5.47
21.69
29.53
51.18
10.87
61.41
6.67
20.00
21.00
28.67
10.00
2.33
17.00
22.33
23.00
6.00
5.00
14.00
19.00
19.00
4.00
2.00
6.00
12.67
16.00
2.33
4.00
19.97
14.25
35.19
18.75
74.35
21.67
37.56
5.58
20.03DE
40.49B
25.22C
57.70A
17.70E
31.53
L.S.D.
0.05
= 2.48
Table 3: Average numbers of main pests on sweet basil plant during 2018 season in Assiut governorate, Egypt.
Date
Tetranychus urticae
Bemisia tabaci
Aphis gossypii
Empoasca decipiens
Thrips tabaci
Moving
stage
Monthly
average
(%)
Immature
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Nymph
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Nymph
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
6/6/2018
1.33
4.33
1.33
6.67
1.67
13
1.67
6.33
1.67
9.67
1.67
20
2.00
7.67
1.33
7.67
1.33
27
2.33
12.00
2.33
13.67
1.67
Average
1.83
7.39
7.58
14.03
1.66
6.08
9.42
15.15
1.58
7.60
4/7
15.00
25.00
7.00
28.67
11.00
11
19.67
29.00
7.00
34.00
14.67
18
21.67
30.00
7.00
43.67
19.00
25
15.33
31.67
8.00
34.44
15.67
Average
17.92
72.41
28.92
53.53
7.25
26.55
35.17
56.55
15.08
72.53
1/8
7.67
21.00
21.67
23.67
7.67
8
6.00
21.00
23.67
22.67
4.00
15
5.00
15.33
17.00
24.67
4.33
22
4.00
15.67
15.33
19.67
1.67
29
2.33
14.67
14.33
21.00
3.00
Average
5.00
20.20
17.53
32.44
18.40
67.37
17.60
28.30
4.13
19.87
G. Average
24.75D
54.03B
27.31CD
62.19A
20.79E
L.S.D.
0.05
= 3.27
Seasonal abundance of
Bemisia tabaci
found on sweet basil:
Data in Tables (2
and 3) showed the weekly changes in the
population of
B. tabaci
(immature &
adult) on sweet basil through 2017 and
2018 seasons. Individuals of
B. tabaci
appeared generally in a few average
numbers of individuals (3.33 and 4.33)
during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively, and then the population
increased gradually inthe last week of
July recording 25.33 and 31.67 during
2017 and 2018 seasons, respectively,
after that decreased to the end of the two
34
seasons. On the other hand, the highest
percent of monthly averages for
B. tabaci
individuals were 52.04 and 53.53%
during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively which recorded in July, then
35.19 and 32.44% in August and 12.77
and 14.03% in June during 2017 and
2018 seasons, respectively. These results
are in partial agreement with those
obtained by Salman et al. (2002) who
indicated that the abundance of
B. tabaci
on soybean plants reached its peak during
August. Sourial et al. (2002) reported that
B. tabaci
had one peak in the end of July,
two peaks in late July and mid-August
and one peak in the end of August on the
first, second and third sowing dates of
soybean, respectively. Abou El-Saad
(2015) indicated that the average
numbers of
B. tabaci
ranked the highest
abundant during the third week of July
through the two seasons, 2013 and 2014.
Seasonal abundance of
Aphis gossypii
found on sweet basil:
The average
numbers of nymph and adult stages of
A.
gossypii
on sweet basil during 2017 and
2018 seasons were presented in Tables (2
and 3). The individuals of
A. gossypii
appeared during first week of June in a
few average numbers of individuals (0.67
and 1.33) through 2017 and 2018
seasons, respectively. Thereafter, the
population increased gradually in the
second week of August recording 22.33
and 23.67 during the two seasons of 2017
and 2018, respectively, also the highest
percent of monthly averages for
A.
gossypii
individuals were 74.35 and
67.37% during the two seasons, 2017 and
2018, respectively which were recorded
during August that considered the most
favorable month for aphid activity;
meanwhile the lowest percent of monthly
averages for
A. gossypii
individuals (3.96
and 6.08%) were recorded in Jun during
2017 and 2018 seasons, respectively.
Similar results were obtained by
Hammad & Mohsen (2000) revealed that
the highest average numbers of
A.
gossypii
recorded during August on
roselle plants.Sourial et al. (2002)
indicated that the highest peak of
A.
gossypii
on the three sowing dates of
soybean was in mid-August. Mousa &
El-Sisi (2005) recorded that the highest
average numbers of
A. gossypii
was in
August on coriander, dill, and parsley.
El-Samahy and Saad (2010) stated that
the high population density of
A. gossypii
on soybean plants was recorded during
August.
Seasonal abundance of
Empoasca
decipiens
found on sweet basil:
The
data compiled in Tables (2 and 3)
obviously showed that the average
numbers of individuals of
E. decipiens
(nymph and adult) during the first week
of June were 4.33 and 6.67 during 2017
and 2018 seasons, respectively, then the
population increased gradually in fourth
and third week of July recording 41.33
and 43.67 during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively, then decreased till the end
of the two seasons. Also the highest
percent of monthly averages for
E.
decipiens
individuals were 51.18 and
56.55% through the two seasons of 2017
and 2018, respectively which were
recorded during July, while the lowest
percent of monthly average for
E.
decipiens
individuals (11.26 and 15.15%)
was recorded in June during 2017 and
2018 growing seasons, respectively. The
present results are in harmony with those
obtained by Ba-Angood et al. (2000) in
Yemen who found that the high numbers
35
of jassids occurred on sesame plants at
early sowing in August and September.
Hegab et al. (2005) indicated the average
numbers of
E. decipiens
recorded two
peaks at second week of both July and
August on bean and cowpea. El-Samahy
& Saad (2010) revealed that the
population density of
E. decipiens
on
soybean reached its maximum in the
fourth week of July. Abd-Elsamad et al.
(2011) revealed that the leafhopper
E.
decipiens
recorded two peaks on soybean
plants, the first peak was noticed at the
4
th
week of July for the two seasons and
the second peak was recorded in 2
nd
week
of August.
Seasonal abundance of
Thrips tabaci
found on sweet basil:
The average
numbers of immature and adult stages of
T. tabaci
found on sweet basil during
2017 and 2018 growing seasons were
presented in Tables (2 and 3). The
individuals of
T. tabaci
appeared during
first week of June in a few average
numbers of individuals (1.33 and 1.67)
during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively, after that the population
increased gradually in fourth and third
week of July recording 15.00 and 19.00
during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively. On the other hand, the
highest percent of monthly averages for
T. tabaci
individuals were 61.41 and
72.53% during the two seasons of 2017
and 2018, respectively; these were
recorded through July which considered
the most favorable month for
T. tabaci
activity, followed by 31.53 and 19.87%
in August and 7.06 and 7.60% in June
during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons,
respectively. Confirmed results were
reported by some investigators such as
Metwally et al. (2005) revealed that the
numbers of
T. tabaci
on guar plants were
highly significant which ranged between
0.06-0.98 and 0.00-0.29 individuals per
sample during the first and second
seasons, respectively. It was found that
the highest numbers of thrips occurred
during March and May in the two
successive seasons. Hammad (2006)
reported that, the population of
T. tabaci
infests chamomile plants appeared two
peaks during the infestation season with
the highest ones, 1.73 and 1.52 insects
per leaf, occurring on 27
th
and 26
th
of
April during the two respective seasons.
Generally, in the two seasons of study,
the highest infestations with
E. decipiens,
B. tabaci
,
T. urticae
and
T. tabaci
for
sweet basil were in July, while
A.
gossypii
in August. Also
E. decipiens
had
the highest population density on sweet
basil, followed by
B. tabaci
,
A. gossypii,
T. urticae
and
T. tabaci
in the same
month. In general population density of
previous main pests found on sweet basil
was higher in 2018 season than in 2017
season, may be due to the changes in the
climatic factors.
Seasonal abundance of the main
predators found on sweet basil:
Average numbers of the main predators
found on sweet basil were presented in
Tables (4 and 5) during the two growing
seasons, 2017 and 2018.
36
Table 4: Average numbers of predators on sweet basil plant during 2017 season in Assiut governorate, Egypt.
Date
Scolothrips
longicornis
Orius albidipennis
Chrysopa carnea
Scymnus
interruptus
Stethorus
punctillum
Coccinella
undecimpunctata
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Nymph
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
4/6/2017
0.00
0.33
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
11
0.33
0.67
0.00
0.33
0.00
0.67
18
0.00
0.67
0.00
0.67
0.00
1.00
25
0.67
1.00
1.33
0.67
1.33
1.67
Average
0.25
4.61
0.67
10.45
0.33
3.93
0.42
6.04
0.33
5.08
0.83
7.22
2/7
4.00
4.33
2.33
2.33
4.33
2.33
9
2.67
3.00
3.00
3.67
3.33
3.33
16
4.00
4.33
3.67
4.33
4.33
5.33
23
5.00
5.67
4.00
5.00
6.00
6.00
30
2.67
3.00
4.33
5.67
3.33
6.33
Average
3.67
67.71
4.07
63.49
3.47
41.36
4.20
60.43
4.6
65.54
4.66
40.56
6/8
2.33
3.00
6.67
4.33
3.00
7.33
13
1.67
1.67
6.67
3.33
2.33
8.33
20
2.00
2.00
3.67
1.67
2.33
6.67
27
0.00
0.00
1.33
0.00
0.00
1.67
Average
1.50
27.68
1.67
26.06
4.59
54.71
2.33
33.53
1.91
29.38
6.00
52.22
G. Average
5.42D
6.41C
8.39B
6.95C
6.50C
11.49A
L.S.D.
0.05
= 0.550
Table 5: Average numbers of predators on sweet basil plant during 2018 season in Assiut governorate, Egypt.
Date
Scolothrips
longicornis
Orius albidipennis
Chrysopa carnea
Scymnus
interruptus
Stethorus
punctillum
Coccinella
undecimpunctata
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Nymph
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Adult
Monthly
average
(%)
Larvae
& adult
Monthly
average
(%)
6/6/2018
0.00
0.67
0.00
0.33
0.00
0.33
13
0.67
1.00
0.33
0.67
0.00
1.00
20
0.33
0.33
0.67
1.00
0.67
1.33
27
1.00
1.33
1.67
1.33
1.00
2.00
Average
0.50
7.90
0.83
10.69
0.67
6.95
0.83
9.67
0.42
5.11
1.16
9.30
4/7
4.67
5.00
2.67
2.67
4.33
2.67
11
3.00
3.33
3.67
4.33
5.00
3.67
18
4.67
5.67
4.33
4.33
5.67
5.33
25
5.67
6.00
6.00
5.00
6.33
6.67
Average
4.50
71.09
5.00
64.43
4.17
43.26
4.08
47.55
5.33
64.84
4.58
36.73
1/8
2.67
3.33
6.00
5.67
5.00
7.67
8
2.00
3.00
6.00
5.67
3.00
9.00
15
2.00
2.00
7.00
4.33
2.33
7.33
22
0.00
1.33
3.33
2.33
1.67
7.00
29
0.00
0.00
1.67
0.33
0.33
2.67
Average
1.33
21.01
1.93
24.88
4.80
49.79
3.67
42.78
2.47
30.05
6.73
53.97
G. Average
6.33D
7.76C
9.64B
8.58C
8.22C
12.47A
L.S.D.
0.05
= 0.875
Seasonal abundance of
Scolothrips
longicornis
found on sweet basil:
Data
in Tables (4 and 5) showed the weekly
changes in the population of
S.
longicornis
(larvae & adult) on sweet
basil during 2017 and 2018 growing
seasons. The individuals of
S. longicornis
appeared generally in a less average
numbers of individuals (0.33 and 0.67)
during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively, then the population
increased gradually in the fourth week of
July recording 5.00 and 5.67 during 2017
and 2018 seasons, respectively, after that
decreased till the end of the two seasons.
On the other hand, the highest percent of
monthly averages for
S. longicornis
individuals were 67.71 and 71.09%
during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively, recorded during July,
37
followed by 27.68 and 21.01% in August
and 4.61 and 7.90% in June during 2017
and 2018 seasons, respectively.
Seasonal abundance of
Orius
albidipennis
found on sweet basil:
As
shown in Tables (4 and 5) the average
numbers of individuals of
O. albidipennis
(nymph & adult) on sweet basil during
the two seasons 2017 and 2018. The
individuals of
O. albidipennis
appeared
during the first week of June in small
average numbers (0.33 and 0.67) during
2017 and 2018 seasons, respectively.
Thereafter, the population increased
gradually in the fourth week of July
recording 5.67 and 6.00 during 2017 and
2018 growing seasons, respectively, then
decreased until the end of the two
seasons. The highest percent of monthly
averages for
O. albidipennis
individuals
were 63.49 and 64.43% during the two
seasons 2017 and 2018, respectively
recorded during July; while the lowest
percent of monthly averages for
O.
albidipennis
individuals were recorded
during June (10.45 and 10.69%) in 2017
and 2018 seasons, respectively.
Seasonal abundance of
Chrysopa
carnea
found on sweet basil:
The
average numbers of larva and adult stages
of
C. carnea
on sweet basil during 2017
and 2018 growing seasons were
presented in Tables (4 and 5). The
individuals of
C. carnea
appeared during
the fourth and the second week of June in
a few average numbers of individuals
(1.33 and 0.33) during 2017 and 2018
seasons, respectively. Thereafter, the
population increased gradually in the
second and the third week of August
recording 6.67 and 7.00 during the two
seasons of 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Also the highest percent of monthly
averages for
C. carnea
individuals were
54.71 and 49.79% recorded during
August, followed by July (41.36 and
43.26%) and June (3.93 and 6.95%)
during the two seasons of 2017 and 2018,
respectively.
Seasonal abundance of
Scymnus
interruptus
found on sweet basil:
The
data compiled in Tables (4 and 5)
obviously showed the average numbers
of individuals of
S. interruptus
(adult) on
sweet basil during the two seasons of
2017 and 2018. The individuals
appeared during the first and the second
week of June in small average numbers
of individuals (0.33 and 0.33) during the
two seasons of 2017 and 2018,
respectively; then the population
increased gradually during the fifth week
of July and the first week of August
recording 5.67 and 5.67 during 2017 and
2018 seasons, respectively, then
decreased till the end of the two seasons.
Also the highest percent of monthly
averages for
S. interruptus
individuals
were 60.43 and 47.55% through the two
seasons of 2017 and 2018, respectively
recorded during July, while the lowest
percent of monthly averages for
S.
interruptus
individuals (6.04 and 9.67%)
were recorded during June of 2017 and
2018 seasons, respectively.
Seasonal abundance of
Stethorus
punctillum
found on sweet basil:
The
average numbers of adult stages of
S.
punctillum
found on sweet basil during
2017 and 2018 growing seasons were
presented in Tables (4 and 5). The
individuals of
S. punctillum
appeared
during the fourth and the third week of
June in a few average numbers of
38
individuals (1.33 and 0.67) during 2017
and 2018 season, respectively. After that
the population increased gradually in the
fourth week of July recording 6.00 and
6.33 during 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively. On the other hand, the
highest percent of monthly averages for
S. punctillum
individuals (65.54 and
64.84%) were recorded in July, followed
by (29.38 and 30.05%) August and (5.08
and 5.11%) June during the two seasons
of 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Seasonal abundance of
Coccinella
undecimpunctata
found on sweet basil:
Data in Tables (4 and 5) showed the
weekly changes in the population of
C.
undecimpunctata
(larvae & adult) found
on sweet basil during 2017 and 2018
growing seasons. The individuals of
C.
undecimpunctata
appeared in a few
average numbers of individuals (0.67 and
0.33) during the first and the second
week of June of 2017 and 2018 seasons,
respectively. Thereafter, the population
increased gradually in the second week of
August recording 8.33 and 9.00 during
the two seasons of 2017 and 2018,
respectively. Also, the highest percent of
monthly averages for
C. undecim-
punctata
individuals were 52.22 and
53.97% during August followed by 40.56
and 36.73% in July and 7.22 and 9.30%
in June during the two seasons of 2017
and 2018, respectively. The previous
obtained results are in agreement with the
findings of the following investigators;
Hammad and Mohsen (2000) who
reported that the
C. undecimpunctata
,
S.
interruptus, O. albidipennis
and
C.
carnea
as predatory insects found on
roselle during July and August in the two
respective seasons. Rott and Ponsonby
(2000) studied the predatory behaviour
of
S. punctillum
on the two-spotted
spider mite,
T. urticae
. His results
showed that the activity of
S. punctillum
on pepper, tomato and ubergine throught
July and August months. Afsah (2005)
found that
C. carnea
was the main insect
predator associated with the insect pests
infesting roselle plants during July and
August in the seasons of study. Hammad
(2006) recorded
O. albidipennis, C.
undecimpunctata, S. interruptus
and
C.
carnea
as predatory insects on
chamomile plants, whereas the main
insect pests were
A. gossypii
and
T.
tabaci
. Afsah (2009) recorded two
natural enemies,
Coccinella
sp. and
Orius
sp. associated with
T. tabaci,
Liriomyza
sp. and aphid species on
fenugreek plants. Generally, from the
abovementioned results in our study,
results showed that,
C. undecimpunctata
was the higher population density on
sweet basil, followed by
C. carnea, S.
interruptus, S. punctillum, O.
albidipennis
and
S. longicornis
during
the two growing seasons.
The relationship between main pests
and predators found on sweet basil:
Data in Tables (6 and 7) showed the
simple correlation (r) and partial
regression (b) values for the effect of the
predators;
S. longicornis, O.
albidipennis, C. carnea, S. interruptus, S.
punctillum
and
C. undecimpunctata
on
the population of main pests;
T. urticae,
B. tabaci, A. gyossypii, E. decipiens
and
T. tabaci
found on sweet basil during the
two growing seasons 2017 and 2018.
39
Table 6: Simple correlation (r) and regression (b) between the main pests and predators on sweet basil plant during 2017
season in Assiut governorate, Egypt.
Predators
Pests
Scolothrips
longicornis
Orius albidipennis
Chrysopa carnea
Scymnus
interruptus
Stethorus
punctillum
Coccinella
undecimpunctata
r
b
r
b
r
b
r
b
r
b
r
b
Tetranychus urticae
0.975**
0.263
0.965**
0.294
0.754*
0.288
0.904**
0.301
0.648*
0.206
0.762*
0.385
Bemisia tabaci
0.935**
0.148
0.945**
0.168
0.928**
0.208
0.976**
0.192
0.950**
0.178
0.937**
0.279
Aphis gossypii
0.609*
0.138
0.608*
0.154
0.912**
0.293
0.699*
0.189
0.637*
0.171
0.910**
0.388
Empoasca decipiens
0.932**
0.103
0.941**
0.116
0.919**
0.144
0.965**
0.132
0.947**
0.123
0.933**
0.193
Thrips tabaci
0.921**
0.291
0.929**
0.329
0.865**
0.387
0.969**
0.378
0.932**
0.348
0.874**
0.518
* = Significant, ** = Highly significant
Table 7: Simple correlation (r) and regression (b) between the main pests and predators on sweet basil plant during 2018
season in Assiut governorate, Egypt.
Predators
Pests
Scolothrips
longicornis
Orius albidipennis
Chrysopa carnea
Scymnus
interruptus
Stethorus
punctillum
Coccinella
undecimpunctata
r
b
r
b
r
b
r
b
r
b
r
b
Tetranychus urticae
0.941**
0.247
0.949**
0.285
0.781*
0.297
0.844**
0.279
0.953**
0.314
0.728*
0.355
Bemisia tabaci
0.923**
0.128
0.952**
0.152
0.882**
0.178
0.933**
0.164
0.960**
0.168
0.886**
0.229
Aphis gossypii
0.612*
0.138
0.680*
0.176
0.913**
0.299
0.877**
0.250
0.725*
0.205
0.952**
0.400
Empoasca decipiens
0.906**
0.102
0.944**
0.122
0.909**
0.149
0.923**
0.132
0.946**
0.134
0.887**
0.187
Thrips tabaci
0.956**
0.295
0.956**
0.339
0.787**
0.354
0.843**
0.329
0.960**
0.373
0.727*
0.418
* = Significant, ** = Highly significant
Data revealed highly significant positive
correlation values for
B. tabaci, E.
decipiens
and
T. tabaci
from one hand
and all predators from other hand during
the two seasons, except in the second
season the correlation value was
significantly positive (r= 0.727) between
C. undecimpunctata
and
T. tabaci
. Also
(r) value was highly significant positive
for
T. urticae
from one hand and
S.
longicornis, O. albidipennis
and
S.
interruptus
from other hand during the
two seasons. In addition to
S. punctillum
in second season, the correlatio was (r=
0.953) significantly positive for
T.
urticae
from one hand and
C. carnea
and
C. undecimpunctata
from other hand
during the two seasons, Also the
correlation of
S. punctillum
in first
season was 0.648. The correlation value
was significantly positive for
A. gossypii
from one hand and
S. longicornis, O.
albidipennis, S. interruptus
and
S.
punctillum
from other hand, and highly
significant positive for
C. carnea
(r=
0.912) and
C. undecimpunctata
(r=
0.910) during the first season, while the
correlation value during the second
season was significantly positive for
A.
gyossypii
from one hand and
S.
longicornis, O. albidipennis
and
S.
punctillum
from other hand, and was
highly signficiantly positive for
A.
gossypii
from one hand and
C. carnea
(r= 0.913),
S. interruptus
(r= 0.877) and
C. undecimpunctata
(r= 0.952) from
other hand. Similar results were obtained
by Abou El-Saad (1998) who showed
that the simple correlation coefficient (r)
between the population density of each
predators;
S. interruptus, C.
undecimpunctata
,
O. albidipennis, C.
carnea
and
P. alfierii
,
T. urticae, B.
tabaci, E. decipiens
and
Aphis
creccivora
found on cowpea plantation
was highly significantly positive in the
two seasons of 1995 and 1996, and Abou
El-Saad (2015)
who stated that the
correlation coefficient values were
highly significantly positive and
40
significantly between
S. longicornis,
Orius
sp. and
C. undecimpunctata
from
one hand and the piercing sucking pests;
T. urticae, B. tabaci, A. gossypii
and
E.
decipiens
on other hand on watermelon
plantation during 2013 and 2014 seasons.
It could be concluded from the obtained
results that the predators play a role in
sweet basil plantation against main pests
attacking it. Accordingly, this role must
be encouraged and developed
continuously.
Acknowledgments
The author thanks the Plant Protection
Institute, Agricultural Research Center,
Dokki, Giza, Egypt for continuous
supporting. Many thanks also are
extended to members of Taxonomy and
Classification Department, for assisting
in the identification of the arthropords
species which found on sweet basil.
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