Functional response study of Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on Cotton mealy bug, Phenacoccus Solenopsis Tinsley under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Functional response study of Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) 4th instar and adult male and female fed on cotton mealy bug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley was carried out under laboratory conditions of 28±1 °C with 65±5 % % R.H and 16:8 L: D photoperiod. The prey densities used for 4th in star and adult male and female were kept uniform i.e. 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90. Results showed that increasing in the prey density the consumed prey number increased up to certain limit in the 4th instar stage as well as in the adult male and female of C. Montrouzieri. The recorded highest consumed prey number were 76, 75 and 71 for the highest prey densities of 90 in adult female, male and the 4th instar stage of C. Montrouzieri, respectively. The average potential regarding the consumptive rate adult female was found higher followed by adult male and 4th instar stage of C. Montrouzieri. Also results showed almost lower searching time, handling time and resting time in the 4th larval instar stage followed by the adult male and female of C. Montrouzieri. Results of this study showed that the C. Montrouzieri, especially the adult female have a good predation potential in preying of the P. solenopsis. Therefore, by including C. Montrouzieri in control programs the use of the pesticides against this pest will be minimized. However, for the detailed estimation of the bio-control potential of C. Montrouzieri further field studies are compulsory.