Evaluating syrphid fly Predation and aphid suppression under controlled and field conditions in high tunnels

<p>This study evaluates the role of syrphid flies (<em data-end="232" data-start="210">Toxomerus marginatus</em> and <em data-end="258" data-start="237">Eupeodes americanus</em>) and green lacewings (<em data-end="301" data-start="281">Chrysoperla carnea</em> and <em data-end="321" data-start="306">C. rufilabris</em>) as biological control agents of the green peach aphid (<em data-end="394" data-start="378">Myzus persicae</em>) in high tunnel vegetable systems. Conducted at Purdue University’s Meigs Horticulture Farm (2024–2025), the project combined laboratory bioassays and seasonal field experiments to assess predator performance under temperature regimes representative of spring and summer conditions. Laboratory assays quantified aphid consumption and survival across cool (15 °C), moderate (23 °C), and warm (30/25 °C day/night) environments. Complementary high-tunnel trials in pepper and spinach crops measured predator-induced aphid mortality, while seasonal observations documented natural syrphid–aphid dynamics, parasitoid activity, and insect community composition.</p>

<p>Data for manuscript submission. For additional information or specific data requests, please contact Allison Zablah (<a data-end="289" data-start="270" rel="noopener">[e-mail] or [e-mail]</a>) or Laura L. Ingwell (<a href="mailto:[e-mail]">[e-mail]</a>)</p>