Harmonious interaction of kaolin and two insect predator species in plant protection.

Lacewings and lady beetles represent two important groups of natural enemies for pest control. Kaolin is used in various crop ecosystems to reduce abiotic plant stressors and pest colonization. Compatible methods aimed at reducing abiotic and biotic plant stressors are desired in crop management systems. Therefore, this work evaluated the development and survival of <italic>Chrysoperla externa</italic> (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and <italic>Eriopis connexa</italic> (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) larvae of different ages treated with kaolin at three different concentrations (ca. 60, 80, and 100 g/L) and prey consumption when treated with kaolin at a field rate of 60 g/L. The prey used were the whitefly <italic>Bemisia tabaci</italic> (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and the aphid <italic>Lipaphis erysimi</italic> (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Survival rates and development durations for <italic>E. connexa</italic> larvae topically treated with kaolin at different ages were similar to those for untreated larvae. However, larvae of <italic>C. externa</italic> reduced survival and delayed development when treated with kaolin concentrations greater than the recommended field rate. Otherwise, kaolin treatments did not affect prey consumption by larvae and adults of both predator species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]