Abstract
The present investigation was carried out on in vitro mass multiplication, larval feeding capacity, and pollination efficiency of two aphidophagous syrphids viz., Eupeodes frequens (Matsmura) and Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) (Diptera: Syrphidae) on cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on mustard crop under mid hill conditions. The results revealed that the incubation, larval, and pupal periods were 3.5, 12.4, and 11.9 days, respectively for E. frequens and 3.8, 13.7, and 8.8 days, for E. balteatus. Longevity of male and female was 15.2 and 17.6 days for E. frequens and 10.6 and 12.6 days for E. balteatus, respectively. When the adults were fed on different diets, adult longevity and fecundity recorded significantly maximum on 10% honey solution + fresh pollen grains. E. frequens consumed an average of 261.7 individuals of cabbage aphids per larva during total larval period, whereas the larva of E. balteatus consumed 393.6 cabbage aphids. The pollination efficiency of hoverflies on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) was studied under caged conditions. It was observed that the plants pollinated by E. balteatus and E. frequens showed 55.12 and 52.97% seed set. Among the different diets, fresh pollen grains + 10% honey solutions recorded to be the best diet for mass rearing of syrphids.
Highlights
Oil seed crops are next to cereals in production of agricultural commodities in India
The longevity of males and females of E. balteatus was recorded as 10.6 ± 0.51 and 12.6 ± 0.51, respectively
Total mean development period of E. frequens and E. balteatus was observed as 27.8 days and 26.3 days, respectively
Summary
Oil seed crops are next to cereals in production of agricultural commodities in India. They occupy a place of prime importance in Indian economy. Indiscriminate use of pesticides leads to destruction of natural enemies and pollinators, toxic residues in crop plants, pesticide resistance, and environmental pollution. To overcome these problems, ecofriendly practices, mainly use of bio control agents are encouraged. The adults of E. balteatus and E. frequens have strong ability to forage for aphid colonies, pollens, and nectar They are capable of crushing the pollen grains for feed and have proved themselves as efficient pollinators. With the view of their importance as aphid predator and pollinator as well, this research was carried out for studying their biology, predation efficiency, possibility of in vitro rearing, and pollination efficiency
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
