Observation of Insect Coccinella undecimpunctata Parasitizing on the Pathogen of Powdery Mildew in Barley and Wheat

Powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei and Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici infects barley and wheat, respectively. The use of chemical pesticides to combat diseases has led to many problems, such as environmental pollution, the residual effect of pesticides on agricultural products, the emergence of new strains of pathogens the resistant to pesticides, and disruption of the natural balance between pests and their biological enemies. Therefore, interest began in biological control to reduce the role of pesticides in the process of resisting pathogens. In this study, the eleven-spotted ladybird (Coccinella undecimpunctata) or eleven-spotted beetle was used to resistance powdery mildew in barley and wheat, which is a type of insects belonging to one of the genera of the ladybug family of the order of beetles. The insect was observed feeding on mycelium and spores of the fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp.hordei, and B. g. f. sp. tritici which causes powdery mildew in barley and wheat. Therefore, it can be used to resistance disease as a type of biological control. Microscopic examination of the intestine Coccinella undecimpunctata revealed the presence of powdery mildew fungus spores in the guts of ladybugs when they were fed on powdery mildew.