Study on effectiveness of natural enemies to suppressing the population of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabr.)

Abstract

A study on identify the key mortality factors and effectiveness of natural enemies to suppressing the population of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabr.) on brinjal grown at the KVK farm at Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh during 2016-17. In this Field cum laboratory studies was found two species of parasitoids namely, Tetrastichus sp. and Pediobius foveolatus, three species of predators, i.e. lygaeid, reduviid and pentatomid bugs attacked various stages of the pest. Tetrastichus sp. parasitized 23.48 % of eggs whereas, the parasitoid, P. foveolatus parasitized 47.69 % of 4th instar grubs and 35.38 % of pupae. P. foveolatus completed its life cycle in 11.21days. The egg and larval predator Geocoris sp., was the most dominant causing upon 16.42% natural predation of eggs. The rate of consumption of different predators was studied. On the basis of overall performance, Tetrastichus sp., P. foveolatus and Geocoris sp. were recognized as key mortality factors of the pest.