Under laboratory condition the developmental periods of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was reduced to an extent of 22.7 days at 35°C when fed with Planococcus citri while it was maximum (39.0 days) at 20°C. The adult longevity ranged from 47.4... more
Under laboratory condition the developmental periods of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was reduced to an extent of 22.7 days at 35°C when fed with Planococcus citri while it was maximum (39.0 days) at 20°C. The adult longevity ranged from 47.4 to 51.2 days at 25°C and was less (37.6 days) at 35°C for both the sexes. The number of eggs laid per female (328.5) and feeding potential (182.6 nos) were maximum at 30°C than at 20°C and 35°C.
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A survey was carried out to identify the major insect pests in the coconut farm of the Pollachi area. There were two major pests viz., rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), eriophyid mite, Aceria... more
A survey was carried out to identify the major insect pests in the coconut farm of the Pollachi area. There were two major pests viz., rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) were predominant during the period of observation. Natural enemies viz., Chelisochus mori, and Campsomeriella collaris were identified, and the level of population was meagre. The incidence of rhinoceros beetle ranged from 36.26 to 41.97 % of which the highest incidence was recorded in B and E block, respectively. The incidence of eriophyid mite ranged from 4.52 to 16.45 %, against a minimum of 4.52 % noticed in D block. The incidence of rhinoceros beetle was maximum (43.50%) during April, followed by March month as compared to the lowest in January (34.7%). Similarly, the incidence of eriophyid mite was maximum (12.92%) during April followed by March (9.78%) as against the lowest incidence during January (7.40%). The ...
Studies were undertaken on the occurrence of coccinellids on various hosts of fruit crops in different zones of Tamil Nadu, bio-ecology of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus coccivora, behavioural response of C. montrouzieri to... more
Studies were undertaken on the occurrence of coccinellids on various hosts of fruit crops in different zones of Tamil Nadu, bio-ecology of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus coccivora, behavioural response of C. montrouzieri to different species of mealybugs, toxicity of insecticides to the grubs and adults of C. montrouzieri and field efficacy of C. montrouzieri on guava mealybugs. Survey made in various zones of Tamil Nadu revealed that eight species of coccinellids viz., Chielomenes sexmaculatus, S. coccivora, C. montrouzieri, Scymnus nubilus, Scymnus lateomaculatus, Calvia sykesii, Anegleis cardoni and Chilochorus melas were found to feed on different species of mealybugs and aphids. C. montrouzieri followed by S. coccivora and C. sexmaculatus were recorded as predominant predators. Aphids species viz., Aphis gossypii, Aphis punicae, Toxoptera citricidus, T. aurantii and T. odinae and mealybug species viz., Planococcus citri, P. lilacinus, Ferrisia virgata, Rastrococcus icery...