Impact of Insect Predators in the Control of Aphis gossypii Glov. on Guava

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Authors

  • Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore - 560 089 ,IN
  • Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore - 560 089 ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/1989/4191

Keywords:

Aphis gossypii, Predators, Guava.

Abstract

The plant lice, Aphis gossypii Glov., is a polyphagous species widely distributed on a large number of crops in India (Ullah. 1940). On guava, colonies of nymphs and adults infest tender shoots and leaves, and suck the cell sap. They secrete honeydew resulting in development of sooty mould on leaves and shoots (Butani, 1974). On several occasions, insecticidal applications have increased the aphid population, and some times resulted in outbreaks (Hambleton, 1939; Orlandao et al., 1970). On the other hand, natural enemies themselves if uninterrupted by insecticides help to check the aphid popUlations. As many as 20 natural enemies were reported on A. gossypii in India. The present investigation was undertaken to deteffiljne the effectiveness of natural enemies in the suppression of A. gossypii in guava orchards.