Ladybugs+on+the+Go!

By: Marilyn Braojos Science Fair Project **Ladybugs on the Go!** =**//__Statement of Problem__//**= The effect of the __state of a fertilizer__ on __ladybugs.__ =**//__Background Information__//**= The independent variable in this experiment is the state of the fertilizer being used. While the dependent variable is the resistance/ survival of the ladybugs. Fertilizers are used to enhance the growth of plants by the addition of extra nutrients. It provides plants with six to seven extra macronutrients. In reality plants require only carbon. hydrogen, and oxygen. Fertilizers are labeled by the composition of these extra nutrients. For instance, those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are labeled NPK, while those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur are labeled NPKS. Solid fertilizers are either **granulated or powdered.** **Liquid fertilizers** are more effective though, since its coverage is very rapid. The "family" of ladybugs is called coccinellidae. They are insects, not bugs, as the name leads one to assume. These measure about 1 mm to 10 mm in length. Lady bugs' wings are usually yellow, orange, or "scarlet(red)". These feed off of aphids, plant eating insects, which are located in farms/gardens. The specific type of coccinellidae being used in this experiment is the harmonia axyridis. It originated in Asia, but it was brought to North America in order to prevent gardens from being filled with pests. Fertilizers and ladybugs both aid in the maintenance of a garden. For instance, fertilizers aid with the growth of plants through the addition of various components of macronutrients. Ladybugs help with the production of a garden by eliminating certain insects which eat plants(aphids). =**//__Hypothesis__//**= If the fertilizer is purer, and works at a faster rate then, the ladybugs will survive longer.