Identification of the most conservative plant species for promising natural enemies of arthropods pests of Vegetable crops

Abstract

Conservative plants were identified from three different districts of Kashmir viz: Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam during 2016-2018. A total of 20 different plant species suitable for the important natural enemies were identified. Carrot family (caraway, coriander, wild carrot, dill, fennel), butter cup, buckwheat, dandelion, yarrow, Canada thistle, may weed act as attract for the predators. Marigold, dill, coriander and onion were act as repellent plants for insect pests of vegetables. Maize was act as barrier crop for aphids and flying insects and cowpea act as alternate host for egg laying of borer and cut worms that help in avoid damage in main crops. The conservative plants that attract beneficials against Cruciferous and Solanaceous insect Pests were identified. Maximum population of predators and parasitoids were recorded in the month of May in Dill, coriander, onion and wild carrot. While as maximum population of predators and parasitoids were recorded in the month of July-August in Marigold, fennel, dandelion, clover and cowpea. Flowering periods of conservative plants play important role in the activity of natural enemies. The visiting periods of different kinds of natural enemies for conservative plants ranges from February to November, whereas the majority of the natural enemies visit the flowers from the month of April to September during both years.