Biological control of cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora and Brinjal mealy bug, Coccidohystrix insolita using coccinellid predators

Abstract

Coccinella septempunctata and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri were used @ 10 and 20 1st instar larvae/plant in cowpea and brinjal for control of aphid, Aphis craccivora and mealy bug, Coccidohystrix insolita during 2013 and 2014.Aphid population was brought down significantly by both predators in both the years, but, it was C. septempunctata which was more efficient. On the contrary, mealy bug population was also brought down significantly by both the predators, but, it was C. montrouzieri who proved to be more efficient. In both cases, release of 20 first instar larvae/plant was as effective as use of insecticides in controlling both the pests.