Biological Control Against Banana Black Aphid

Back in 2003 then again in 2005, I tried these two well known insects widely used in biological control systems "Chrysopa & ladybird beetle"......I found them Efficient aphid killers in the control conditions but in the banana field it hasn't worked properly, biological control system can be efficient in other crops where viral diseases are not an issue due to some reasons that i encountered. First for raring ladybird bettles naturally i planted Egyptian clover & mustard in the winter...because in these two crops you may found millions of ladybird beetles. I then collected & released them in banana & also on bermuda & barn yard grasses where banana black aphid is also found. And for chrysopa i used the egg cards from lab. 

First, I faced population dynamics problem in the field for both insects target & being released 

Second, winged aphids & extremely higher wind velocity
Third, if single BBTVD infested plants is present in the field and single black aphid (rate of multiplication is extremely high even they don't require mating) is there no one can save that field from disease
Fourth, rate of roguing & proper diseased plants disposal
Fifth, Presence of black aphids on barnyard & bermunda grass and these two grasses are everywhere throughout farm
Sixth, neighboring banana bunchy top infested fields, black aphid population & their overall management system "some do nothing"
Seventh, Microclimate, mode of attack, banana morphological characteristic all counts on effective biological control system.

So in conclusion: when you advise growers do keep in mind field conditions.............especially where viral diseases are present & their transmission with certain insects.....100% insect control is required...

 By Hadi Laghari