Diversity of predatory arthropods in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields of Nalgonda district, Telangana state, India

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate diversity of predatory arthropods (Predatory insects and Spiders) in Bt cotton and non-Bt cotton fields during July 2018 to January 2019 at farmers field of Palem Village, Nalgonda District, T.S, India. A total 4768 individual arthropods on Bt cotton, 5232 individual arthropods on non-Bt cotton fields were collected with the help of sweep net and hand picking. The predatory arthropods were identified with the help of Guide on cotton pests and predators, Regional Agricultural Research Station PJTSAU Warangal and literature. Eleven predatory insects and two spiders in Bt cotton and thirteen predatory insects and three spiders in non-Bt cotton were recorded. The results indicated that minor differences found between the Bt and non-Bt cotton fields. Our findings conclude that Bt cotton may affect predatory arthropods indirectly through removal of eggs, larvae and pupa of insect pests that serve as food for predatory arthropods. Various diversity indices were measured.