Effect of Different Sowing Dates of Faba Bean on the Population Density of the Legume Aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch.) (Homoptera: Aphididae).

The legumes aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) is one of the most destructive pests affecting faba bean in Egypt. This study investigated the impact of different planting dates on the population density of .A. craccivora in Faraskour region during 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. The effects of natural enemies and mean temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%), were performed. The findings revealed that there were three seasonal population peaks of A. craccivora, in each of plantation dates with the 3rd plantation date recorded the highest number of A. craccivora followed by the second and first ones during the two years. Statistical analysis revealed that the populations of A. craccivora were not significantly influenced by daily mean temperature, relative humidity, or predators. Four predatory insect species were recorded on faba bean: the eleven-spotted ladybird (Coccinella undecimpunctata) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), the whiplash beetle (Paederus alferii) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), the lacewing aphid lion (Chrysoperla carnea) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and the minute pirate bug (Orius spp.) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae).