Data from: Nitrogen fertilizer input alters the prey consumption rate of a widespread aphid predator, Harmonia axyridis
Data files
Jan 31, 2026 version files 5.25 KB
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aphid_data_fecundity.CSV
824 B
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Harmonia_axyridis_A.CSV
529 B
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Harmonia_axyridis_BCDEF.CSV
852 B
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README.md
3.05 KB
Abstract
The sharp rise in synthetic inorganic fertilizer use (notably nitrogen) over decades has caused unknown effects on ecosystems and the services they provide, such as biocontrol. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that host plant nitrogen input alters the interactions between pests and natural enemies, specifically investigating whether aphid consumption by Harmonia axyridis differed depending on nitrogen fertilizer input. It was hypothesised that H. axyridis would consume fewer aphid individuals reared under nitrogen conditions that are optimal for aphid fecundity. Observed effects of different nitrogen inputs in Chinese cabbage on the aphid Myzus persicae and the predator H. axyridis support our hypothesis: at lower nitrogen levels, the fecundity and longevity of M. persicae increased in the absence of predators, and the numbers of adult aphids H. axyridis consumed to reach temporary satiation and to finish the 3rd and 4th instars decreased. In addition, the fitness of H. axyridis, indicated by the pupal weight, also reduced at the nitrogen treatment favourable for aphid fecundity. These findings revealed the mechanisms underlying the long observed amplified changes in biocontrol efficacy with different nitrogen inputs in agroecosystems that reducing nitrogen for plants increases pest fecundity while reduces predation. Therefore, we recommend an economical increase in nitrogen application to achieve optimal plant nutrition and enhance biocontrol efficacy of the ladybeetles.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.wpzgmsc2t
Description of the data and file structure
This dataset comprises three csv files.
The "aphid_data_fecundity" file contains data on aphid fecundity (number of offspring) and longevity across three different treatment levels (Low, Medium, High) during the experimental period.
The "Harmonia_axyridis_A" file provides data on temporary satiation points (represented by the number of aphids consumed) by fourth-instar Harmonia axyridis larvae under different nitrogen levels.
The "Harmonia_axyridis_BCDEF.CSV" file describes prey consumption, developmental duration, pupation rate, and pupal weight of Harmonia axyridis from the third instar to pupation under the different nitrogen level treatments.
Files and variables
File: aphid_data_fecundity.CSV
Description:
Aphid fecundity (number of offspring) and longevity cross three different treatment levels (Low, Medium, High) during the experimental period. Empty cells represent missing data.
Number of variables:
3
Number of cases/rows:
99 (one row per trial)
Variable List
'level' (levels): Different nitrogen levels (L: 0.4 g/plant, M: 0.8 g/plant, H: 1.6 g/plant )
'fecundity' (individuals): Total lifetime offspring production in a Myzus persicae
'longevity' (days): Survival time of Myzus persicae
File: Harmonia_axyridis_A.CSV
Description:
Temporary satiation points (represented by the number of aphids consumed) by fourth-instar Harmonia axyridis larvae under different nitrogen levels. Empty cells represent missing data.
Number of variables:
2
Number of cases/rows:
90 (one row per trial)
Variable List
'level' (levels): Different nitrogen levels (L: 0.4 g/plant, M: 0.8 g/plant, H: 1.6 g/plant)
'4th' (individuals): The temporary satiation points of 4th instar in H. axyridis under different nitrogen applications on cabbage
File: Harmonia_axyridis_BCDEF.CSV
Description:
Prey consumption, developmental duration, pupation rate, and pupal weight of Harmonia axyridis from the third instar to pupation under the same nitrogen level. Empty cells represent missing data.
Number of variables:
6
Number of cases/rows:
45 (one row per trial)
Variable List
'level' (levels): Different nitrogen levels (L: 0.4 g/plant, M: 0.8 g/plant, H: 1.6 g/plant)
'3rd' (individuals): Number of adult aphids required to complete the 3rd instar in H. axyridis under different nitrogen applications on cabbage
'4th' (individuals): Number of aphids required to complete the 4th instar in H. axyridis
'day' (days): The duration from the 3rd instar to pupation of H. axyridis
'pupal rate' (logical): Pupation status of Harmonia axyridis (1 = successful pupation, 0 = failed pupation)
'pupal' (weight): Pupal weight of H. axyridis (g)