The efficiency of Chrysoperla externa first instar larvae in the control of Myzus persicae in sweet pepper was evaluated in experiments conducted in climatic chamber and room at 25 ± 1ºC, 70 ± 10% RH and 12h photophase. C. externa newly emerged larvae were released in sweet pepper foliar discs containing 5; 10 or 20 aphid nymphs, putted in Petri dishes. In a second experiment, predator larvae were released in 1:5, 1:10 and 1:20 proportions in sweet pepper plants inoculated with 60; 100 and 140 aphids nymphs. The C. externa predatory potential in the foliar discs was affected by aphid initial density. The predator efficiency in 5; 10 and 20 aphid densities was 100%; 96,7% and 79,3%, respectively. The larvae efficiency in eliminating aphids populations in sweet pepper plants range as a result of the time. In 1:5 proportion the nymphs elimination occurred between one and two days after the predator release, while in 1:10 and 1:20 proportions four days were not sufficient to the aphids elimination. C. externa larvae released in the three proportions promoted reductions in M. persicae population when compared to the control. The proportions 1:5 and 1:10 the predator was more efficient.
Biological control; chrysopids green lacewing; green peach aphid
