Evaluation of <i>Rhynocoris kumarii</i> Ambrose &amp; Livingstone (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) as a Potential Predator of some Lepidopteran Pests of Cotton

M. A. Claver; D. P. Ambrose

doi:10.18311/jbc/2001/4135

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Authors

M. A. Claver
Entomology Research Unit, St. Xavier's College Palayankottai 627002, Tamil Nadu ,IN
D. P. Ambrose
Entomology Research Unit, St. Xavier's College Palayankottai 627002, Tamil Nadu ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/2001/4135

Keywords:

Biocontrol, Cotton, Field Cages, Rhynocoris kumarii, Reduviid Predator.

Abstract

Biocontrol potential of Rhynocoris kumarii Ambrose & Livingstone against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) and Euproctis mollifera Thunberg was evaluated in cotton field cages at Entomology Research Unit Experimental Station. The adult R. kumarii signilicantly suppressed the population of H. armigera larvae during the initial infestation, but the subsequent suppression of H. armigera larvae was not significant. Though the adult and 5^th instars of R. kumarii minimised the damage in S. litura and E. molliifera infested cages the suppression was not significant and their release did not significantly increase the yield in these cages. Yield signilicantIy increased in prcdator released H. armigera infested cages than in the control cages. However R. kumarii significantly reduced the plant damage in H. armigera infested cages.