Species Complex of Coccinellids on Major Tropical Fruits in Different Agro Climatic Zones of Tamil Nadu state of India

Abstract

Studies were undertaken on the occurrence of coccinellids on various hosts of fruit crops in different zones of Tamil Nadu, bio-ecology of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus coccivora, behavioural response of C. montrouzieri to different species of mealybugs, toxicity of insecticides to the grubs and adults of C. montrouzieri and field efficacy of C. montrouzieri on guava mealybugs. Survey made in various zones of Tamil Nadu revealed that eight species of coccinellids viz., Chielomenes sexmaculatus, S. coccivora, C. montrouzieri, Scymnus nubilus, Scymnus lateomaculatus, Calvia sykesii, Anegleis cardoni and Chilochorus melas were found to feed on different species of mealybugs and aphids. C. montrouzieri followed by S. coccivora and C. sexmaculatus were recorded as predominant predators. Aphids species viz., Aphis gossypii, Aphis punicae, Toxoptera citricidus, T. aurantii and T. odinae and mealybug species viz., Planococcus citri, P. lilacinus, Ferrisia virgata, Rastrococcus iceryoides and Maconellicoccus hirsutus were observed in the surveyed locations. Among the different mealybug and aphid species, P. citri and A. gossypii were found to be the dominant prey for the coccinellids.