Biology of green lacewing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) on cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L.

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted at Department of Entomology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India during 2019-20 to study the biology of green lacewing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) on cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. The aphid culture was maintained on cabbage seedlings and the predator, C. zastrowi sillemi was reared on aphids. Duration of different developmental stages of the predator as well as adult longevity and sex ratio were recorded. The mean egg, larval and pupal periods were 4.82 ± 0.24, 11.2 ± 0.60 and 7.03± 0.29 days, respectively. The total developmental period was 21.4 ± 0.51 days. Larva of C. zastrowi sillemi had undergone three instars before pupation. The first instar had the shortest duration (3.80 ± 0.20 days) while the third instar lasted for longest period (4.25 ± 0.15 days). The pre oviposition, oviposition and total longevity of female adult were 6.60 ± 0.40, 25.40 ± 0.51 and 40.8 ± 1.28 days, respectively while longevity of male adult of C. zastrowi sillemi was 29.40 ± 1.86 days. The studies proved that predator, C. zastrowi sillemi could complete the life cycle on the cabbage aphid in about 20-23 days and can serve as a potential biocontrol agent to manage this pest.