Abstract
Pest infestations in net-houses are not sometimes different from that under open-field conditions, necessitating usage of pesticides. To examine the hypothesis that bioagents may have more potential under restricted plant growing conditions, the predatory potential of green lace wing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi Esben-Peterson (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) was evaluated against the sucking pests of tomato under screen-house conditions. The rates of release were fixed as 4, 5, and 6 s instar grubs plant−1 and a total of 3 releases were made at 7 days interval, with first release at appearance of the aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). The pooled data for the years 2018 and 2019 revealed that, the release rates 4, 5, and 6 grubs plant−1 were not statistically different in reducing the population of these pests. The factorial analysis based on the release rate and time of these releases suggested that single release of C. zastrowi sillemi at 4 grubs plant−1 was effective against sucking pests in tomato grown under screen-house conditions.
Highlights
India ranks second in the area and production of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill
At 7 days after the 2nd release (DASR), and 7 days after 3rd release (DATR) the plants released with Chrysoperla grubs (4, 5, and 6 grubs plant−1) were recorded with significantly lower aphid population than the untreated control (P < 0.0001)
At 7 Days after first release (DAFR), 7 DASR, and 7 DATR, a significantly lower population of the aphid was recorded in plants released with chrysopid grubs (4, 5, and 6 grubs plant−1) as compared to untreated control (P < 0.0001)
Summary
India ranks second in the area and production of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Tomato production in the tropics is extremely subjected to abiotic stresses like temperature, airflow, and humidity (Ajwang et al 2002) and to biotic stresses caused by insects like whitefly, aphids, and thrips, and plant viruses transmitted by these insects (Premachandra et al 2005). The use of synthetic insecticides is widely adopted for the management of these pests, as they are reported to have a rapid action against them. Their indiscriminate use has several potential harmful effects, disturbing the ecological balance and creating problems like pest resurgences, resistance to. The microenvironment of the screen-houses provides congenial conditions for the multiplication of these pests.
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