PJB-2025-419
Feeding behavior and survival of Coccinella septempunctata on powdery mildew of wheat and barley, and molecular detection of Blumeria graminis in the beetle gut
Mohdly B. Ragab
Abstract
Powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis severely constrains wheat and barley production, and management still relies on fungicides. This study evaluated the capacity of the seven-spotted ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata, to utilize powdery mildew as a food source and its potential role in integrated disease management. Adult beetles were exposed to four dietary regimes on wheat and barley (aphids, mildew, mixed, or unfed control) for 20 days, and survival was recorded at five-day intervals. The feeding rate on mildew colonies was quantified on detached leaves after 24 hours h starvation, and ingestion of the pathogen was verified by polymerase chain reaction targeting the ERG2 gene in dissected guts, followed by phylogenetic analysis of the Egyptian isolate. Beetles on the mixed diet showed the highest survival (~70% at day 15), followed by aphids and mildew alone, whereas all unfed individuals died by day 15. Mean consumption reached 7.6 colonies h⁻¹ with no significant difference between host plants. Fungal DNA was consistently detected in gut samples, and the local isolate formed a distinct clade within the B. graminis species. These results demonstrate clear mycophagy and support C. septempunctata as a promising component of sustainable powdery mildew management.
To Cite this article:
Not Recommended
We Welcome Latest Research Articles In Field Of Botany The Pakistan Journal of Botany is an international journal .... Read More