Improved control of Rhopalosiphum maidis and Acyrthosiphon pisum, using the predatory natural enemy Harmonia axyridis carrying entomopathogenic fungi

Four EPF isolates showed no effect on the survival and predation of adult H. axyridis. The M. rileyi treatment had no effect on the reproduction of H. axyridis, yet H. axyridis adults carrying EPF conidia had a significantly higher control efficiency toward two species of aphids compared to each type of enemy alone. Therefore, predator dissemination of EPF may be an efficient and low-cost strategy for controlling of aphids. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.