The use of Harmonia axyridis larvae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) against Macrosiphum rosae (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) on rose bushes

Third and fourth instar larvae of Harmonia axyridis were released in spring into rose beds infested by the aphid Macrosiphum rosae. These biological treatments induced stabilization or a decrease of the aphid populations. Their efficiency is comparable with that of chemical treatments performed in neighbouring rose beds and the subsequent development of aphid populations was the same after these two types of treatments. The rearing condition of H. axyridis, particularly its feeding on a substitute prey (lepidopteran eggs), the climate, particularly the rainfall and low temperatures, sometimes near the development threshold of the coccinellid, and possibly the rose bush variety did not seem to affect its potential predatory efficiency. An aphid density of more than thirty aphids per rose bush appears to be necessary for the larvae to remain on the plants, when fifty larvae were released per four bushes.