Diversity of arthropod fauna associated with marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) in Jammu

Abstract

The studies revealed that marigold was attacked by several insect pests at different growth stages of the crop. Survey of insect pests, pollinators and natural enemies attacking marigold at different locations of Jammu division revealed the infestation of aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), thrips (Thrips tabaci), red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera), leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae), mealy bug (Drosicha spp.), hadda beetle (Epilachna vigintioctopunctata), lygus bug (Lygus spp.), green sting bug (Nezara virudula) and grasshopper (Bycrotophus longicepes). Pollinator’s viz. Apis mellifera, A. dorsata, Pieris brassicae and thistle butterfly (Vanessa cardui) were recorded visiting on T. erecta. Among the natural enemies, syrphid fly (Syrphus spp.), lady bird beetle (Coccinella septumpunctata), spider (Oxyopes javanus) and big eyed bug (Geoceris spp.) were recorded.