Life Cycle and Feeding Efficacy of Micromus Igortus (Bank) Brown Lacewing Against Myzus Persicae (Sulzer)

Abstract

Myzus persicae(Sulzer) (Hemiptera : aphididae) is most polyphagous and economically important pest.Managment of M.persicae by using insecticide and pesticide is difficult as they resides under leaves and curls. Natural enemies play important role in controlling pest population. M.persicae have wide range of predators such as coccinellid beetle, lacewings, syrphid flies, spiders and aphid midges. Some hymenopteran parasitoids significantly lower population such aof Aphidius matricariae (Haliday Braconidae) and Aphelinus asychis Walker (Aphelinidae) and Diatellaria rapae. Micromus igortus Bank (Brown lacewing) has average predator potential against M. persicae than other aphid species. Micromus igortus mostly feed on Aphis craccivora and followed by Aphis gossypi. Biology and feeding efficacy of brown lacewing were studied in the fields from Kolhapur district, Maharashtra under laboratory condition in Shivaji University, Kolhapur. All stages of Brown lacewing and adults also have significant predatory potential against M.persicae. Feeding potential increases as the instars progressed their development. Rate of consumption on stage of 1st ,2nd, and 3rd instar of lacewing were average 11.15 days (Range Minimum 6.8 – Range maximum 15.5 days), 39.135 days (Range min. 23.5 – max. 31.27 days), 52.48 days (Range min. 46.91- max. 58.04 days ) respectively per day. Third instar is proved to be most prodigious feeder as they feed on large number of aphids. Lifecycle period for egg incubation, larval development, prepupal, pupal and adult period,total lifespan were 4.36 days(Range min. 4- max.5 days), 6.2 days (5-7 days), 1.3 days (1-2 days), 6.1 days (5-7days),9.6 days(8-12 days),29.32 days (28-32 days) respectively. The above studies will help to know the lifecycle of Lacewing in field conditions and proves the predatory potential of brown lacewing.