Studies on the Coccinellid Predators of the Cabbage Aphid Brevicoryne brassicae in Himachal Pradesh

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Authors

  • Department of Entomology, Dr.Y.S.Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Solan, P.O. Nauni, 173 230, Himachal Pradesh ,IN
  • Department of Entomology, Dr.Y.S.Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Solan, P.O. Nauni 173 230, Himachal Pradesh ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/1993/15151

Keywords:

Brevicoryne brassicae, Natural Enemies, Adonia variegata, Adalia tetraspilota, Coccinella septempunctata, Hyperparasitoid Oomyzus scaposus.

Abstract

Surveys conducted during 1985-91 on cauliflower, cabbage and knol-khol yielded thirteen species of coccinellid predators on nymphs and adults of the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linn.), a serious pest of cole crops in the mid-hill regions of Himachal Pradesh. Among the frequently occurring species, adults of Adonia variegata (Goeze) were the first to resume activity by first week of February followed by Coccinella septempunctata Linn. in the first week of March, while most other coccinellids were active during the last week of March or later. C. septempunctata was the most abundant species accounting for 47.3 per cent of the adult count, followed by A. variegata (26.2%). The hyperparasitoid, Oomyzus scaposus (Thompson) (-Tetrastichus coccinellae Kurdj.) (Hymenoptera, Eulophldae) was recorded on the coccinellid predators during May-June. C. septempunctata was more voracious than A. variegata and Adalia tetraspilota Hope. The average consumption by C. septempunctata grub, was 323 and that of adults 3890 aphids.