Natural Enemies fauna associated with woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann in Kashmir

Abstract

With the intensification of apple cultivation there is considerable increase in insect pest fauna on apple in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and apple trees are usually attacked by several types of arthropod pests. Aphids are key pests in apple orchards worldwide and among these, Woolly Apple Aphid (WAA), Eriosoma lanigerum order Hemiptera and family Aphididae is one of the most important aphid pests of apples in most of the apple growing regions. Therefore in our present study survey was conducted during 2017 and 2018 in Budgam district of Kashmir Valley to identify the key natural enemies associated woolly apple aphid. Eight predators including Chilochorus infernalis, Adalia tetraspilota Hippodamia variegata, Coccinella septempunctata, Harmonia spp., Oenopia conglobata, Syrphus spp. and Chrysoperla zastrowi were found associated with woolly apple aphid. Coccinellidae being most abundant 68 to 71 per cent, followed by Chrysopidae 13-14 percent and Syrphids ranging from 16-18 per cent of totals during 2017-2018. Survey of natural enemies indicated that there is considerable diversity of natural enemies associated with woolly apple aphid and will provide a basis for conservation of natural enemies and foundation of an integrated biological control program of this pest.