Economics of production of Goniozus nephantidis (Muesebeck), an important parasitoid of coconut black-headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella (Walker) for bio-factories.

Abstract

Black-headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella (Walker), is a serious pest of coconut palms causing severe defoliation and yield loss. Goniozus nephantidis (Muesebeck), one of the dominant and effective parasitoids of O. arenosella , is being widely used in the biological control programme. Technology for the production and cost economies of G. nephantidis were worked out for the first time. The production of 3,25,000 parasitoids within a period of 6 months required charging of 225 wooden Corcyra boxes @ 75 nos./batch three times. Coreyra cephalonica (Stainton) was used as a laboratory host for rearing the parasitoid. Exposure of 2500 matured C. cephalonica larvae, was required in order to get I lakh parasitoids per month. The cost of production of 100,000 G. nephantidis cocoons was Rs. 27,600. The commercial cost of cocoon in India is Rs. 40,000 per 100,000 parasitoids and the profit would be Rs. 12,400 for producing 100,000 parasitoids. Benefit-Cost of the production of parasitoid was 1:1.45. Employment generated during the production process was four. Hence, this technology is highly feasible and can he adopted for the production and use against the pest. This mass production technology would be suitable for promoting localized production of G. nephantidis at village or district level especially for farmers, unemployed graduates, private and public sector units and NGOs.