Sunil Joshi ¹, Prashanth Mohanraj ¹, S. K. Jalali ¹, C. A. Shobitha ¹

Affiliations
1 National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects (ICAR), P.B. No. 2491, H.A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 024, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Studies on host range of Micromus igorotus Banks, a predator of Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner indicated that the pupation was higher when aphids belonging to subfamily Hormaphidinae were used as food. Within subfamily Aphidinae, tribe Aphidini was preferred to Macrosiphini. Irrespective of instars of aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch was fed in significantly higher numbers than C. lanigera. Total feeding potential was also significantly higher on A. craccivora of adults. Feeding potential was significantly higher on Aphis gossypii Glover and lower on Pseudoregma bambusicola (Takahashi) and C. lanigera. Pre-oviposition period was significantly longer when adults were reared on A. gossypii. The predator laid maximum eggs when fed with P. bambusicola while least eggs were laid when C. lanigera was provided as prey. Egg and larval periods did not differ significantly on different aphid species, however, pupal period was significantly longer on A. craccivora and A. gossypii and shortest on C. lanigera. This study also provides authentic characters for sex determination of adults of M. igorotus.

Keywords

Biology, Ceratovacuna lanigera, Feeding Potential, Micromus igorotus, Host Range.

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Sunil Joshi ¹, R. J. Rabindra ¹, T. P. Rajendran ²

Affiliations
1 National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects, Post Bag No. 2491, H. A. Farm Post, Hebbal, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 024, Karnataka, IN
2 Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi 110 114, IN

Abstract

Biological control of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is reviewed. A brief report on the history of biological control of aphids is given. Candidate natural enemies including parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens consisting of about 12 groups are listed. Brief information about viable multiplication technologies for important species in each group is provided. Finally biological control of aphids in open fields and in glasshouses by using different natural enemies is reviewed by analyzing different attempts made in India and elsewhere. It is concluded that parasitoids in general and aphidiids in particular possess greater potential than predators and entomopathogens both in open fields and in glasshouses.

Keywords

Aphids, Biological Control, Parasitoids, Predators, Pathogens.

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Chandish R. Ballal ¹, Tripti Gupta ¹, Sunil Joshi ¹

Affiliations
1 National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects (ICAR), H. A. Farm P. O., Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 024, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

The predatory potential of two anthocorid predators, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius and Anthocoris muraleedharani Yamada on cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink was studied under laboratory conditions. During the nymphal stage, A. muraleedharani could feed on a total of 66 crawlers of P. solenopsis and the adult consumed 141 crawlers. Young nymphs (3-4 day old) of B. pallescens could not predate on P. solenopsis, crawlers, while, the mature nymph could consume 35 P. solenopsis crawlers and adult 23 crawlers. B. pallescens could feed on P. marginatus and the feeding potential was recorded as 18, 29 and 31 crawlers, for young nymph, mature nymph and adult, respectively. However, the longevity of B. pallescens was found significantly reduced when fed on P. marginatus. A. muraleedharani could not predate on P. marginatus. Though B. pallescens could predate on both mealybug species, A. muraleedharani appeared to be a more voracious predator of P. solenopsis based on its greater predatory potential, higher adult longevity and shorter nymphal duration.

Keywords

Anthocoris muraleedharani, Blaptostethus pallescens, Feeding Potential, Paracoccus marginatus and Phenacoccus solenopsis.

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Sunil Joshi ¹, Chandish R. Ballal ¹

Affiliations
1 National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects, Post Bag No. 2491, H. A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 024, IN

Abstract

The family Syrphidae is divided into three subfamilies viz., Syrphinae, Milesiinae and Microdontinae. Majority of aphidophagous syrphids belong to the subfamily Syrphinae. Most species are terrestrial, while a few species are aquatic or live in very moist situation. Among the terrestrial forms at least 25 per cent are predacious, chiefly aphidophagous. There are more than 4700 species worldwide with 312 species under 71 genera known from the Indian subcontinent. Many studies have been conducted on the biology, intrinsic rate of increase, feeding behavior and factors affecting their oviposition and techniques for their multiplication. Relatively, less importance has been given to their field evaluation and to the studies dealing with reasons tracing causes for their less effectiveness in the open field. Recently, considerable efforts have been made to enhance their effectiveness by manipulating their habitat. Development of techniques for their effective shipment and release are necessary. Release rates, stage to be released, and stage which can be stored at low temperature need to be identified.

Keywords

Aphids, Biology, Biological Control, Syrphids.

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Sunil Joshi ¹, Rumki H. Ch. Sangma ²

Affiliations
1 National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Post Bag No. 2491, H./A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560024, Karnataka, IN
2 National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong 737106, Sikkim, IN

Abstract

A survey was conducted to collect aphids, coccids and their natural enemies from Sikkim, India. Forty one species of aphids, five species of mealybugs, four species of soft scales, three species of armoured scales and a species of orthezid were recorded. Out of these, seventeen species of aphids, a species of soft scale and mealybug each, were reported for the first time from Sikkim. Two species of aphids were recorded for the first time from India. Among natural enemies of aphids and coccids, twelve species of coccinellids and two species of braconids, one species each of Aphelinidae and Pteromalidae were recorded during the survey. Although there were no new distribution records for natural enemies, four new host associations of coccinellid predators are reported through this study. The present study resulted in addition of 17 new species of aphids and a new species of mealybug to the existing collection of Aphididae and Pseudococcidae at NBAIR, Bangalore.

Keywords

Aphididae, Coccidae, Diaspididae, Pseudococcidae, Natural Enemies, Sikkim.

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Chandish R. Ballal ¹, Sunil Joshi ², T. V. Bhaskaran ², L. Lakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, H. A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 024, IN
2 Division of Food Processing, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, CIFT Junction, Willingdon Island Matsyapuri P.O., Cochin-682 029, Kerala, IN

Abstract

The rearing of ichneumonid parasitoids is a great challenge mainly due to the preponderance of male progeny in the continuously lab reared cultures. The issues faced in the continuous rearing of an indigenous ichneumonid parasitoid Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) were recorded and attempts were made to tackle these challenges by manipulating the rearing processes. Some of the problems could be considerably alleviated by rearing the parasitoids in larger cages measuring 0.52 × 0.52 × 0.76 m (with 5 to 8 parasitoid pairs per cage) and by placing these cages in walk-in chambers set at 26±2°C and 70±2% RH. It is a general observation that the culture deteriorates after some generations in the laboratory, but the need was felt to verify the biological parameters which are affected most due to continuous laboratory rearing. The reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of increase were significantly higher in the field collected parasitoids compared to the continuously lab reared ones indicating that bio-deterioration occurs due to continuous rearing. The study also indicated that it would be ideal to bring in wild culture after five generations in the laboratory and rejuvenation is essential after nine generations. Based on the information generated through basic studies, we aim to provide a simple protocol (including cage design) which can be adopted by insectaries or researchers interested in initiating and maintaining the culture of C. chlorideae. Measurable biological parameters are also suggested, which can be used to monitor the quality and scale of production.

Keywords

Campoletis chlorideae, Spodoptera Litura, Rearing Protocol.

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Sunil Joshi ¹, J. Poorani ¹, S. P. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Project Directorate of Biological Control (ICAR) P. B. No. 2491, H. A. Farm Post, Bellary Road Hebbal, Bangalore 560 024, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Sticholotis cribellata Sicard (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is recorded for the first time as a predator of Melanaspis glomerata (Green). Its host range and seasonal incidence are detailed and the immature stages described and illustrated. The egg, larval, and pupal stages lasted for 6.9. 19.5, and 8.6 days, respectively, and adult longevity was 40.41 days. The average fecundity was 48.9 eggs/female. The larvae and adults consumed on an average 653.95 and 1822.49 M. glomerata crawlers, respectively, throughout their life span. S. cribellata appears to be a promising bioagent of M. glomerata in view of its high feeding potential and amenability to large scale mass multiplication.

Keywords

Bioecology, Melanaspis glomerata, Predator, Sticholotis cribellata, Sugarcane.

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Sunil Joshi ¹, P. Sreerama Kumar ¹, S. P. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Project Directorate of Biological Control (lCAR) P. B. No. 2491, H. A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Hebbal Bangalore 560024, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Fusarium coccopllilum (Desm.) Wollenw.&Reinking was recorded as a fungal pathogen of the sugarcane whitefly, Aleuroiobus barodensis (Maskell) from Dhule and Pune areas of Maharashtra. The infection level during rainy season varied from 2.2 to 12.8 per cent. Its pathogenicity both to nymphs and pupae was confirmed. This is the first report of F. coccophiluln on sugarcane whitefly.

Keywords

Aleuroiobus barodellsis, Fungal Pathogen. Fusarium Coccopllilum. Sugarcane Whilefly

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Sunil Joshi ¹, T. Venkatesan ¹, N. S. Rao ¹

Affiliations
1 Project Directorate of Biological Control, Post Bag No. 2491, H. A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560 024, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

The aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch is a common pest of cowpea and lablab around Bangalore. Survey for its predatory fauna resulted in recording eleven coccinel1ids, six syrphids, a chamaemyiid and a hemerobiid species. Syrphid species viz., Betasyrphus fietcheri Ghorpade and B. linga Ghorpade are new records onA. craccivora in India and elsewhere. Among predators recorded, Cheilomenes sexmaculta (Fabricius), Paragus serratus (Fabricius) and Ischiodon scutellaris (Fabricius) were found predominant on A. craccivora.

Keywords

Aphis craccivora, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Predators, Syrphids.

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Chandish R. Ballal ¹, Tripti Gupta ², Sunil Joshi ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, H. A. Farm P. O., Bellary Road, Bangalore - 560 024, Karnataka, IN
2 Pest Control (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bio-Control Research Laboratory 36/2, Sriramanahalli, Arakere Post, Bangalore - 561203, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of different temperature regimes (16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36±1^°C) on the biological and fertility table parameters of Orius tantillus (Motsch.), an efficient indigenous predator of various thrips species in India Temperature influenced the development and reproduction of O. tantillus. Based on the biological parameters, viz. longevity, fecundity and fertility parameters, 24^°C was recorded to be the optimum temperature for rearing O. tantillus. The temperature of 16^°C had a detrimental effect on nymphal survival, while 36^°C on fecundity. Thus, 16 and 36^°C were recorded as unsuitable for rearing O. tantillus. The lower threshold temperatures for development of eggs and nymphs of O. tantillus were 8.66 and 6.92^°C, respectively, indicating that the eggs are more heat-sensitive than the nymphs. Based on the T₀ values, O. tantillus appears to be less heat sensitive in comparison to other Orius spp. The information generated through this study could be used for further improving the standardized production protocol for O. tantillus and also for planning and timing field releases to target thrips species.

Keywords

Biological Parameters, Effect of Temperature, Fertility Parameters, Orius tantillus, Rearing, Sitotroga cerealella, Thermal Requirement.

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Chandramani Sahu ¹, Sunil Joshi ², Jaya Laxmi Ganguli ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur - 492012, Chhattisgarh, IN
2 ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru – 560024, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

The survey of host range of mealybugs in five districts of Chhattisgarh plain regions namely Rajnandgaon, Balod, Dhamtari, Mahasamund and Raipur districts in which 132 plant species were observed. Among these, 72 plant species belonging to 28 families were identified as hosts out of which two species were of pulses (2.78%), one oilseed (1.39%), ten vegetables (13.89%), twelve fruits (16.67%), one fibre (1.39%), one sugarcane crop (1.39%), nineteen ornamentals (26.39%), fifteen medicinal (20.83%), two forest trees (2.78%) and nine plants under weeds (12.50%). The highest number of host plants of mealybugs were recorded in the family Malvaceae and Asteraceae followed by Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Amaranthaceae and Lamiaceae. Among 72 plant species, 36 species of host plants were found having low infestation, 12 species had medium infestation and 24 plant species were observed to be highly infested by mealybugs. A total of eight mealybug species namely Ferrisia virgata Cockerell, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, Nipaecoccus viridis Newstead, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, Rastrococcus iceryoides Green and seven species of their natural enemies i.e., Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Brumoides suturalis, Scymnus sp., Chrysoperla sp., spiders as a general predator and Aenasius sp. and Pseudleptomastix mexicana as parasitoid were observed during the present studies. Among the Mealybugs species, P. solenopsis Tinsley was noticed as the most dominant species which observed on 14 species of different host plants infested with maximum 46.66 percent.

Keywords

Host Plants, Mealybugs, Natural Enemies.

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Kolla Sreedevi ¹, Veena N. V. ¹, Sunil Joshi ¹, Mohan M. ², M. Sampath Kumar ¹, Mahendiran G. ¹, Venkatesan T. ², Shylesha A. N. ³

Affiliations
1 Division of Germplasm Collection and Characterization, ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, H. A. Farm post, Hebbal, Bellary Road, Bengaluru – 560024, Karnataka, IN
2 Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, H. A. Farm post, Hebbal, Bellary Road, Bengaluru – 560024, Karnataka, IN
3 Division of Germplasm Conservation and Utilization, ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, H. A. Farm post, Hebbal, Bellary Road, Bengaluru – 560024, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

The cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero is one of the most serious pests of cassava worldwide, which got recently introduced into India (traced in Kerala) as a potential invasive pest. Studies were carried out to record the incidence of mealybug, P. manihoti and its natural enemies on different varieties of cassava in Namakkal dt. of Tamil Nadu during June 2020. The observations were taken in the field in situ as well in the collected mealybug infested twigs in the laboratory. Results revealed that all the three surveyed cassava varieties viz., Mulluvadi, Thailand white and Shree Atulya were found severely infested with cassava mealybug. A huge number of coccinellid beetles were collected from the P. manihoti colonies, which were identified as Hyperaspis maindroni Sicard, 1929 (Coccinellidae:Coccinellinae:Hyperaspidini). Molecular characterization of both grub and adult beetle of H. maindroni was carried out to confirm its identity.

Keywords

Cassava mealybug, Coccinellidae, Hyperaspis maindroni, Phenacoccus manihoti, predator

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