Biodiversity of natural enemies of cole crops insect pests in mid hills of Meghalaya

Abstract

The North eastern region of India is one of the mega biodiversity hotspots in the World. The climatic conditions of the region are highly conducive for reproduction and multiplication of insects. The efforts were undertaken to study the biodiversity of natural enemies of major insect pests of cole crops in mid hills of Meghalaya. Limited information is available on natural enemies in cole crops ecosystem in mid –hills of Meghalaya. A total of 17 natural enemies belonging to three insect orders viz., Coleoptera (4 Predators), Hymenoptera (5) (1 nymphal/pupal; 3 Larval papasitoid; 1 Pupal parasitoid) and Diptera (8) (5 Predator, 3 pupal parasitoid) were documented during the year 2014-2015. Natural enemies especially Predators of aphids Viz., Coccinellid beetles, Syrphid flies were recorded, Parasitoids observed were; nymphal/adult Parasitoid of aphids, Diaeretiella rapae, larval parasitoid of cabbage butterfly, Hyposoter sp and Cotesia glomerata and Pupal parasitoid including Brachymeria femorata and Tachinidae sp. The collected species were identified by established taxonomic keys and by taxonomists. The comprehensive data generated from present study would be useful in further understanding of the biodiversity of arthropod fauna associated with cole crops in other regions of the country and this study would certainly have implications for pest management, taxonomy, quarantine and trade and for development of diagnostic guide.