New Study Identifies Most Effective Insecticides and Biopesticides for Controlling Aphids in Cucumber Greenhouses

A new field study conducted in Egypt during the 2024 and 2025 agricultural seasons provides crucial insights into managing the cotton-melon aphid (Aphis gossypii)—one of the most destructive pests affecting cucumber production globally. The research evaluated the performance of commonly used insecticides and emerging biopesticides, while also assessing their effects on the beneficial predator Chrysoperla carnea.

Researchers tested six treatments: Imidacloprid, a premix of Bifenthrin + Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Lambda-cyhalothrin, orange oil, and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Their results clearly indicate that synthetic insecticides—particularly the combination of Bifenthrin (10%) + Imidacloprid (20%), Acetamiprid, and Lambda-cyhalothrin—achieved the strongest suppression of A. gossypii. These treatments produced high residual effects, reaching up to 86.95% reduction in 2025.

Conversely, orange oil and Imidacloprid displayed more moderate aphid control but were comparatively safer for the predator Ch. carnea. The study highlights that minimizing harm to natural enemies is essential for sustainable pest management, especially within greenhouse ecosystems.

One of the most promising findings was the performance of Beauveria bassiana. Although slower-acting, it showed strong efficacy at days 7 and 10 post-application, reaching up to 89.51% reduction and offering a valuable biological control option. Laboratory assays further confirmed its concentration-dependent mortality effects on aphid nymphs.

Overall, the study recommends incorporating B. bassiana, orange oil, and Imidacloprid into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, while reserving stronger chemical blends like Bifenthrin + Imidacloprid and Acetamiprid for high-infestation scenarios. These findings provide greenhouse growers with a scientifically backed roadmap for balancing effective pest suppression with environmental and predator safety.

Reference

Saleh, A.A.A., Jabbar, A.S., Anter, M.A. et al. Bioefficacy of Some Insecticides and Biopesticides Against Aphis gossypii Glover and Its Predator, Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.), in Cucumber Greenhouses. Journal of Crop Health 77, 190 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-025-01258-x