Method for synergistically preventing and controlling aphids of honeysuckle by using heterochromatic ladybugs and aphid fungi based on external "embedded" double-arch shed system

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of biological control, and particularly relates to a method for synergistically preventing and controlling Lonicera japonica aphids by using Harmonia axyridis and aphid mycoparasite based on an external "embedded" double-arch shelter system. The present application realizes synergistic effect of natural enemy population continuous propagation and pathogenic microorganism activity by constructing a double-arch shelter system synergistic framework, including a self-reproduction system and an ecological regulation system, can effectively improve the prevention and control efficiency of Lonicera japonica aphids, realizes continuous prevention and control from April to October, improves the natural colonization rate of Harmonia axyridis, reduces the use amount of pesticides, and has obvious advantages compared with traditional prevention and control methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of biological control technology, specifically relating to a method for the synergistic control of honeysuckle aphids by ladybugs and aphid mold based on an externally mounted "embedded" double arched greenhouse system. Background Technology

[0002] Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is an important traditional Chinese medicine with both medicinal and edible properties. Its quality and safety directly affect clinical efficacy. Aphids (mainly the carrot microtubule aphid, Seminphis heraclei) cause leaf curling and yellowing, and bud deformity and drop by sucking sap from tender shoots and flower buds, resulting in yield reductions of up to 40%-60%. The current control system has obvious limitations: ① Dependence on chemical pesticides leads to increased resistance. Commonly used agents such as imidacloprid and dimethoate need to be discontinued 10-15 days before flowering, creating a contradiction between the application window and the peak period of pests; ② The release of natural enemy insects (such as ladybugs) has problems such as short colonization cycle (<2 generations) and high escape rate. The survival rate of ladybugs in the open environment is less than 35%; ③ Single biological control methods have poor stability. The field residual effect of aphid fungi is only 7-10 days, and spore activity is easily affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to build a control system for honeysuckle aphids to break through the spatial and temporal limitations of traditional biological control and provide a new paradigm for green control of Chinese medicinal materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a method for the synergistic control of honeysuckle aphids based on an externally mounted "embedded" double-arch greenhouse system using ladybugs and aphid fungi. This invention overcomes the spatial and temporal limitations of traditional biological control by constructing a coupled system of self-breeding and ecological regulation of the natural enemy insect, the ladybug, achieving synergistic enhancement of the continuous propagation of the natural enemy population and the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, thus providing a new paradigm for the green control of medicinal herbs.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a method for the synergistic control of honeysuckle aphids by ladybugs and aphid fungi based on an externally mounted "embedded" double-arched greenhouse system. The method is characterized by setting up a double-arched greenhouse system at the corner of the honeysuckle field, wherein the double-arched greenhouse system includes a self-breeding system and an ecological regulation system.

[0007] The construction principle of the double arched shed system is not to affect the production of honeysuckle, especially mechanized production. It is generally located at the corner of the honeysuckle field: the southeast corner or the northwest corner.

[0008] As a preferred option, the ratio of the area occupied by the honeysuckle field to the area occupied by the double-arched greenhouse system is set to 10-100:1. In practical applications, considering cost reduction, efficiency improvement and quality enhancement, 100:1 is preferred.

[0009] The self-breeding system adopts an "artificial-natural mixed food chain" design. It constructs an annual aphid supply system by setting up alternating host plants and integrates aphid fungus targeted inoculation technology. The ecological regulation system creates a dynamic balance of "attraction-retention-proliferation" to achieve synergistic enhancement of the continuous expansion of natural enemy populations and the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.

[0010] Specifically, the self-breeding system of the natural enemy insect, *Heteromorpha heteromorpha*, primarily functions to breed the natural enemy insect, *Heteromorpha heteromorpha*. Before the occurrence of honeysuckle aphids, the *Heteromorpha heteromorpha* ladybugs from this system are released into the honeysuckle field carrying aphid fungi to control the aphids. The main function of the ecological regulation system is to attract *Heteromorpha heteromorpha* ladybugs from nature and those released into the honeysuckle field that have finished feeding on honeysuckle aphids. These ladybugs then migrate to the ecological regulation system, feeding on aphids on the host plants within the system, and thus grow and reproduce within it.

[0011] The alternating host plants in the self-propagation and self-cultivation system are wheat, rose, sorrel, wisteria, cedar, and cabbage.

[0012] In one embodiment of this invention, the structure of the self-propagation and self-cultivation system includes an outer 8-wire PE film, a middle 30-mesh escape-proof net, and an inner double-door buffer chamber. The structure of the ecological regulation system includes an outer arched shed and an inner arched shed. The outer arched shed is covered with a layer of 2-mesh steel wire mesh, and the inner arched shed is a steel frame plant climbing frame to facilitate the climbing of vine plants.

[0013] The self-propagation and ecological regulation systems in the double-arched greenhouse system have the same host plant configuration, constructing a vertically tiered planting system. Cedar (top-level tree) 4 plants / 10㎡, wisteria (climbing layer) 2 plants / 10㎡, sorrel (middle-layer herb) 30 plants / 10㎡, rose (low shrub) 20 plants / 10㎡, and wheat (grass) and cabbage (ground vegetables) are planted alternately in a 1:2 area ratio. The three-dimensional microenvironment formed by plant communities at different heights provides high-altitude foraging space for adult ladybugs and creates middle and lower-level shelters for larvae.

[0014] Within the self-breeding system, three aphid inoculation points are set up for every 10 square meters, with an initial density of 500 aphids / square meter. The ratio of ladybugs released is 3:1 (larvae:adults), with a density of 15 aphids / square meter.

[0015] The specific method of targeted inoculation with aphid mold is as follows: inoculating ladybugs with aphid mold in a closed environment with a temperature of 20-25℃ and a humidity of 70%-90%; among them, healthy adult ladybugs that have emerged 3-5 days ago are inoculated by atomization with a particle size ≤20μm; for ladybug larvae that are 2nd instar or older, inoculation is achieved by short-term soaking or feeding infection.

[0016] In one embodiment of this invention, field management is also included.

[0017] The field management release strategy includes: when there are 5 aphids per square meter of honeysuckle, release 100 ladybugs carrying aphid mold per acre, with an adult to larval ratio of 7:3. Re-release once every 7 days, for a total of 3 releases, with the release quantity decreasing at the following gradients: 100% (initial release) → 80% (relative to the first release) → 60% (relative to the first release quantity). Infrared counting sensors are deployed to monitor the number of aphids and ladybugs in the honeysuckle field. A population dynamics model is established using the Logistic equation dN / dt = rN(1-N / K), where N is the total number of individuals in the population, t is time, r is the population growth potential index, and K is the maximum carrying capacity of the environment; specifically, K = 500 individuals / m², and r = 0.32.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] This invention, by constructing a collaborative architecture of a self-breeding and breeding system and an ecological regulation system, achieves the synergistic effect of continuous expansion of natural enemy populations and pathogenic microorganism activity, which can effectively improve control efficacy, with an aphid kill rate of ≥98%, enabling continuous control from 4 to 10 months (a single method only lasts for 2-3 months), increasing the natural colonization rate of ladybugs to 82%, and reducing pesticide use by 90%, which has significant advantages compared with traditional methods. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a general plan of the external "embedded" double arched greenhouse system in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein A is the ecological regulation system and B is the self-breeding and self-cultivation system;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an elevation view of the host plant configuration in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the initial construction phase of the double-arched shed system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the externally mounted "embedded" double arched canopy system in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, and the advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer with the description. However, it should be understood that the embodiments described are merely exemplary and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or substitutions can be made to the details and form of the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, but such modifications or substitutions all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] Experimental location: Guixin Traditional Chinese Medicine Planting Professional Cooperative, Pingyi County, with a honeysuckle planting density of 1500 plants / mu. The experiment was divided into 4 groups: the first group was the experimental group, the second group was a single ladybug group, the third group was a ladybug-aphid fungus group, and the fourth group was the control group. Each group had an experimental area of ​​6000㎡. The 4 groups were not adjacent. The multicolored ladybugs were obtained from the Natural Enemy Insect Laboratory of Shandong Agricultural Engineering College.

[0027] The experimental group was treated using the following methods:

[0028] (I) Facility Construction Phase

[0029] In the northeast corner of a 6000㎡ honeysuckle field, two steel-framed arched greenhouses were constructed, each with an area of ​​300㎡ (length:width = 3:1) and a height of 3m. The foundations used a 50cm deep concrete termite-proof structure. One greenhouse served as a self-breeding system for the natural enemy insect, the ladybug, while the other was an ecological regulation system. The ecological regulation system's planar structure is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in Figure A, the arched greenhouse is 30m long, 10m wide, and 3m high. The climate control framework inside the greenhouse is a double-arched structure. The outer arched greenhouse is covered with a layer of wire mesh (2 mesh), and the inner arched greenhouse is a steel-framed plant climbing frame to facilitate the climbing of vines. The entrance to the greenhouse is located in the center of one side (the width side). The planar structure of the self-propagation and self-cultivation system is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in B, a composite protective structure is set up, with an outer layer of 8-wire PE film (92% light transmittance), a middle layer of 30-mesh escape-proof netting (porosity ≤0.6mm2), and four adult insect release ports evenly set in the central area of ​​the arched shed. Each adult insect release port is equipped with an aphid-mold atomization inoculation device. The inner layer is set up with a double-door buffer chamber (the door entrance is located in the center of one side of the shed (the width side), the door is 3m wide, and the distance between the two doors is 2.5m). The door frame is inlaid with silicone sealing strips (compression amount ≥3mm). Figure 2 These are actual photos taken at the initial construction site of the double-arched shed system.

[0030] (II) Dual-system collaborative architecture

[0031] The host plant configurations in the two steel-framed arched greenhouses are identical, such as Figure 3As shown, six types of alternating host plants (wheat, rose, sorrel, wisteria, cedar, and cabbage) were designed to construct a vertical tiered planting system. Cedar (top-level tree) 4 plants / 10㎡, wisteria (climbing layer) 2 plants / 10㎡, sorrel (middle-level herb) 30 plants / 10㎡, rose (low shrub) 20 plants / 10㎡, and wheat (grass) and cabbage (ground vegetable) were planted alternately in a 1:2 area ratio.

[0032] (1) Self-breeding and rearing system (30-mesh netting greenhouse): An "artificial-natural mixed food chain" design is adopted, using six alternating host plants (wheat, rose, sorrel, wisteria, cedar, and cabbage) to construct a year-round aphid supply system. The ratio of ladybugs released is larvae:adults = 3:1, with a density of 15 aphids / m². Three aphid inoculation points are set up every 5 m², with an initial density of 500 aphids / m². The aphids on the host plants selected in this scheme are specialized aphids and will not harm other plants, especially honeysuckle.

[0033] Before releasing ladybugs into the honeysuckle field, they are first lured into specific plastic containers and inoculated with aphid fungi to ensure that the fungi do not spread into the system and harm the aphids within. Inoculation should be carried out in a closed environment with a temperature of 20-25℃ and a humidity of 70%-90% to promote spore attachment and germination.

[0034] The vaccination process is as follows:

[0035] Adult treatment: Healthy adults 3-5 days after emergence are inoculated by atomization with a particle size ≤20μm to avoid affecting their survival rate and activity; Larval treatment: Select ladybug larvae of the second instar or above and inoculate them by short-term soaking or feed infection.

[0036] Within 24-48 hours after inoculation, samples were taken to test the amount of spores attached to the ladybug's body surface or digestive tract to ensure an effective bacterial load of 1×10⁻⁶. 3 -1×10 4 Spores / individuals.

[0037] (2) Ecological regulation system (2-mesh wire mesh shed):

[0038] The framework is a double-arched structure. The outer arch is covered with a layer of wire mesh (2 mesh), while the inner arch is a steel-framed plant climbing frame to facilitate the climbing of vines. The upper layer is planted with woody plants such as cedar and wisteria, the middle layer with roses and sorrel, and the ground with wheat and cabbage. The planting density is the same as that of the self-propagation system. A dynamic equilibrium field of "attraction-retention-proliferation" is created.

[0039] The self-breeding system of the natural enemy insect, *Heteromorpha heteromorpha*, primarily functions to breed the natural enemy insect, *Heteromorpha heteromorpha*. Before the occurrence of honeysuckle aphids, the *Heteromorpha heteromorpha* ladybugs from this system are released into the honeysuckle field carrying aphid fungi to control the aphids. The main function of the ecological regulation system is to attract *Heteromorpha heteromorpha* ladybugs from nature and those released into the honeysuckle field that have finished feeding on honeysuckle aphids. These ladybugs then migrate to the ecological regulation system, feeding on aphids on the host plants within the system, and thus grow and reproduce within it.

[0040] (III) Field Management

[0041] (1) Intelligent monitoring:

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, nine infrared counting sensors (accuracy ±3%) were deployed in a honeysuckle field to monitor the populations of aphids and ladybugs. A population dynamics model was established using the Logistic equation dN / dt=rN(1-N / K), where N is the total number of individuals in the population, t is time, r is the population growth potential index, and K is the maximum carrying capacity of the environment. Specifically, K = 500 individuals / m², and r = 0.32. When ladybugs migrate into the honeysuckle field, their population changes. Assuming the initial number of ladybugs is less than the maximum carrying capacity of the environment, the population will increase. Given that the species in this ecosystem also lacks sufficient resources such as predators, food, and space (a non-ideal environment), the growth function satisfies the Logistic equation, and the graph is S-shaped. This equation is a model describing the population growth pattern under conditions of limited resources.

[0043] (2) Release strategy:

[0044] When 5 aphids per square meter of honeysuckle in the field are detected, ladybugs carrying aphid mold are released at a rate of 100 per acre, with an adult to larval ratio of 7:3. The release is repeated every 7 days for a total of 3 releases. The release rate decreases as follows: 100% (first release) → 80% (relative to the first release) → 60% (relative to the first release).

[0045] (3) Nurturing and Management

[0046] Based on the growth characteristics of honeysuckle, regular maintenance such as irrigation, loosening the soil, fertilization, weeding and pruning should be carried out.

[0047] The single ladybug group was treated using the following method:

[0048] Before the occurrence of honeysuckle aphids, adult ladybugs and larvae of the multicolored ladybug were released into the honeysuckle field at a ratio of 7:3 to prey on the honeysuckle aphids. The release strategy was the same as that of the experimental group.

[0049] The ladybug-aphid fungus group was treated using the following method:

[0050] Before the honeysuckle aphids appeared, ladybugs were lured into a specific plastic cover, inoculated with aphid mold, and then released. The inoculation method and release strategy were the same as those in the experimental group.

[0051] Blank groups are left unprocessed.

[0052] The aphid control rate and duration of control in honeysuckle fields were measured using the above four methods.

[0053] Measurement method: The duration of control effect was assessed by measuring the insect population reduction rate. The calculation method was: Insect population reduction rate = (Initial insect population - Post-treatment insect population) / Initial insect population × 100%; Duration of control effect; Non-target organism impact, soil and plant residue detection. The measurement period was from April to October of the same year (2023).

[0054] The measurement results are shown in Table 1.

[0055] Table 1. Test data on insect population reduction rate

[0056]

[0057] Table 1 shows that the insect population reduction rate in the experimental group reached 93.2% on day 7, significantly higher than that of the single ladybug group (72.3%) and the ladybug-aphid fungus group (89.7%). The experimental group achieved continuous control from April to October, while the single method only lasted for 2-3 months. This indicates that the double-arched greenhouse system established in the experimental group maintained the ecological balance of the ladybug population and promoted the continuous control of honeysuckle aphids. The ladybug-aphid fungus group also demonstrated significant advantages during the 2-3 month control period. This was due to two factors: firstly, the multicolored ladybug directly reduced aphid density through predation; secondly, the aphid fungus conidia carried on its body surface spread through contact, infecting the remaining aphid population and significantly increasing the aphid infection rate of the fungus-carrying ladybug. However, this method still has its shortcomings. As the number of aphids in the honeysuckle field decreases, the ladybugs in the single ladybug group and the ladybug-aphid fungus group also disappear. As the number of natural enemies decreases, the number of aphids in the honeysuckle field increases again in autumn. Without the continuous release of new ladybugs, it is difficult to achieve continuous control of honeysuckle aphids. However, the ladybugs in the experimental group are attracted to the ecological control system after the number of aphids in the honeysuckle field decreases, and reproduce and colonize. When the number of aphids in the honeysuckle field increases in autumn, the biotin released by the aphids is attracted to the honeysuckle field for control. Therefore, continuous control can be achieved, saving manpower and material resources, and has good application value.

[0058] Meanwhile, in terms of environmental safety, the survival rate of non-target insects (bees and lacewings) in the experimental group was ≥98%, and no fungal toxin residues were detected in the soil and plants. Compared with traditional chemical control, pesticide use was reduced by 90%.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] Experimental location: Guixin Traditional Chinese Medicine Planting Professional Cooperative, Pingyi County. The honeysuckle planting density was 1500 plants / mu. The double-arched greenhouse system was the same as the experimental group in Example 1, with some plants in the ecosystem being replanted according to seasonal changes. The difference was that the honeysuckle field was expanded to 60,000 m². 2 (Approximately 100 mu) of land was planted with infrared counting sensors. Experiments were conducted starting in April of the following year (2024) to measure the aphid control rate and duration of continuous control in the honeysuckle field. The measurement method was the same as in Example 1.

[0061] Test results: The insect population reduction rate reached 91.7% on day 150, the aphid kill rate was ≥98%, and continuous control could be achieved from April to October. The survival rate of non-target insects (honeybees, lacewings) was ≥98%, and no fungal toxin residues were detected in the soil or plants. This indicates that the double-arch greenhouse system described in this invention can be well applied to 60,000 m² greenhouses. 2 In the honeysuckle field, the double arched greenhouse system has good reusability and good practical application value.

[0062] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for the synergistic control of honeysuckle aphids based on a multicolored ladybug and aphid mold using an externally mounted "embedded" double-arch greenhouse system, characterized in that... A double-arched greenhouse system is set up at the corner of the honeysuckle field. The double-arched greenhouse system includes a self-propagation and self-cultivation system and an ecological regulation system. The self-breeding system adopts an "artificial-natural mixed food chain" design. It constructs an annual aphid supply system by setting up alternating host plants and integrates aphid fungus targeted inoculation technology. The ecological regulation system creates a dynamic balance of "attraction-retention-proliferation" to achieve synergistic enhancement of the continuous expansion of natural enemy populations and the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The alternating host plants in the self-propagation and self-cultivation system are wheat, rose, sorrel, wisteria, cedar, and cabbage; The structure of the self-breeding system includes an outer octagonal PE film, a middle 30-mesh escape-proof net, and an inner double-door buffer chamber. It constructs a vertical stratified planting system of cedar, wisteria, sorrel, rose, wheat, and cabbage. Through the three-dimensional micro-habitat formed by plant communities at different heights, it can provide high-altitude predation space for adult ladybugs and create a middle and lower-level shelter for larvae. Within the self-breeding system, three aphid inoculation points are set up for every 10 square meters, with an initial density of 500 aphids / square meter. The ratio of ladybugs released is 3:1 (larvae:adults), with a density of 15 aphids / square meter. The targeted inoculation of aphid mold includes: before releasing ladybugs into the honeysuckle field, the ladybugs are first attracted into a plastic cover and inoculated with aphid mold to ensure that the aphid mold does not spread into the self-breeding system and harm the aphids in the system; The structure of the ecological regulation system includes an outer arched greenhouse and an inner arched greenhouse. The outer arched greenhouse is covered with a layer of 2-mesh steel wire mesh, and the inner arched greenhouse is a steel frame plant climbing frame to facilitate the climbing of vine plants. The plant configuration in the ecological regulation system is the same as that in the self-propagation and self-cultivation system. The method also includes: when there are 5 aphids per square meter of honeysuckle, release ladybugs carrying aphid mold, release them every 7 days, and deploy infrared counting sensors to monitor the number of aphids and ladybugs in the honeysuckle field to establish a population dynamic model.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The specific method of inoculating with aphid mold is as follows: inoculating ladybugs with aphid mold in a closed environment with a temperature of 20-25℃ and a humidity of 70%-90%; among them, healthy adult ladybugs that have emerged 3-5 days ago are inoculated by atomization with a particle size ≤20μm; for ladybug larvae that are 2nd instar or older, inoculation is achieved by short-term soaking or feeding infection.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the release of ladybugs carrying aphid mold, the ratio of adults to larvae was 7:

3.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A population dynamics model was established using the Logistic equation dN / dt = rN(1 - N / K), where N is the total number of individuals in the population, t is time, r is the population growth potential index, and K is the maximum carrying capacity of the environment; K was set to 500 individuals / m², and r = 0.32.

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