The effect of transgenic broad bean varieties on Aphis fabae Scolopi and its parasitoid, Lysiphlebus fabarum Staey

Transgenic plants are important tools that can complement integrated pest management programs. One of the concerns about transgenic plants is their effects on non-target organisms such as predators and parasitoids. This effect can occur directly (lethal effects) and indirectly. Natural enemies may be affected by feeding on herbivores that feed on leaves, stems or flowers of transgenic plants. In this research, the effect of transgenic varieties of broad bean (G-faba-560, G-faba-5, G-faba-20 and G-faba-21) and also, a native variety (Qaramalek) on the biological parameters of black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scolopi and its parasitoid, Lysiphlebus fabarum Staey was investigated in the laboratory. Results showed that mean of nymphs produced by female aphids on all transgenic cultivars was significantly reduced compared to Qaramalek cultivar, which indicated that these varieties are unfavorable for black bean aphid. It was also found that the native variety (Qaramalek) was more sensitive to A. fabae than the transgenic varieties, and the pest population decreased in transgenic varieties. On the other hand, developmental time, adult longevity, parasitism rate and emergency rate have significant differences in broad beans varieties. Because aphids fed on transgenic varieties were small in size, parasitoid did not prefer them for parasitization. As a result, in transgenic varieties, the L. fabarum was affected by population reduction and lack of A. fabae. Also, in this research, it was found that transgenic varieties of broad bean are able to reduce the population of A. fabae.