Abstract
Life tables of two chrysopid predators, viz., Chrysoperla sp. (carnea-group) and Mallada desjardinsi (Navas) on the invasive mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (also reported as P. solani ), were prepared in the laboratory to determine the efficacy of the predators as biocontrol agents of the pest. The rate of mortality (qx) during 0-7 days age interval was higher in Chrysoperla sp. (carnea-group) (0.28) than in M. desjardinsi (0.22) while it was reverse during 70-77 days age interval when reared on P. solenopsis . In fact, qx was higher in M. desjardinsi (2.50) than in Chrysoperla sp. (carnea-group) (0.00). The rate of multiplication per day was 0.1159 and 0.1414 females/female for Chrysoperla sp. (carnea-group) and M. desjardinsi , respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was found to be 0.11 for both the predators. Chrysoperla sp. (carnea-group) population multiplied 62.80 times in a generation time of 35.72 days on the mealybug, whereas M. desjardinsi multiplied 67.12 times in a time period of 29.75 days. Life table assays help in estimating the total number of the natural enemies to be released in biological control programmes. This study would be of paramount importance in estimating the total number of the natural enemies to be released in biological control programmes against the mealybug, which is exotic.
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