Cent Parasitism Research Articles

Evaluation of Carbosulfan 25 EC on the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae)

Experiments to ensure the safety of carbosulfan, to Trichogramma chilonis Ishii in terms of adult emergence and parasitization by direct spraying on egg card technique, revealed significant adverse effect on adult emergence and parasitization. The number of adult emergence ranged from 41.96 to 58.0 and, parasitization 12.62 to 32.6 per cent at 24 HAT; while it was 44.03 to 64.63 and 18.95 to 38.8 per cent respectively at 48 HAT for all the tested three doses of carbosulfan 25 EC @ 250, 500 and 1000 g a.i ha-1. Carbosulfan 25 EC @ 250 g a.i ha-1, recorded maximum adult emergence (58.00 at 24 HAT and 64.63 at 48 HAT) and maximum per cent parasitization (32.60 at 24 HAT and 38.80 at 48 HAT). Hence usage of carbosulfan 250 EC is recommended only at the low dose of 250 g a.i. ha-1.

Influence of environmental factors on the population dynamics of <i>Diaeretiella rapae</i> (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitizing <i>Brevicoryne brassicae</i> (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in cauliflower cultivars

The experiment was conducted on five different cauliflower cultivars viz. Early London, PSBK-1, PSBK-25, Pusa Himjyoti and Snowball Super to study the influence of weather factors viz., temperature, relative humidity and rainfall on the population of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) and its parasitoid, Diaeretiella rapae (MacIntosh) at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh during the year 2021-2022. The incidence of B. brassicae was first recorded on cv. Early London, Pusa Himjyoti and Snowball Super during 52nd Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) followed by PSBK-1 and PSBK-25 during 1st SMW while the parasitoid was first noticed in 8th SMW on cv. Early London followed by PSBK-1 (9th SMW), Snowball Super (10th SMW), PSBK- 25 and Pusa Himjyoti (11th SMW). The aphid population was maximum (177 aphids/plant) during 10th SMW whereas, the population of parasitoids was maximum (4.90 mummified aphids/plant) during 11th SMW on Early London. Among all the cultivars, the per cent parasitism by D. rapae was highest (17.31%) on Pusa Himjyoti during 13th SMW. The populations of cabbage aphid and its parasitoids exhibited positive correlation with the temperature and negative correlation with relative humidity and rainfall.

Seasonal abundance and mutual interference of <i>Diaeretiella rapae</i> (McIntosh) on <i>Brevicoryne brassicae</i>

Brevicoryne brassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), known as cabbage aphid, is cosmopolitan in distribution that infests cruciferous crops such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and mustard. Brevicoryne brassicae is suppressed by various species of natural enemies, the most important and abundant being Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The present study was carried out at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Solan, Himachal Pradesh, on the seasonal abundance and mutual interference of the parasitoid, D. rapae during the years 2020-2021. The study showed the peak population of both host (221.36 aphids/plant) and parasitoid (27.28 mummified aphids/plant) with 12.32 per cent parasitization on the 10th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). On the 14th SMW of 2021, the aphid population was lowest (2.72 aphids/plant) and parasitization by D. rapae was highest (47.05%). The D. rapae when foraged at densities of 2, 4, 6 and 8 parasitoids per 30 and 50 constant host nymphs, the third-instar host nymphs had a higher mutual interference coefficient than fourth instar host nymphs. Therefore, D. rapae can be utilized as an important biocontrol agent in the management programme of a cabbage aphid (B. brassicae).

Diversity and abundance of parasitoid fauna associated with the pests of certain medicinal plants of West Bengal

A preliminary study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 to explore the parasitoid fauna associated with insect pests and their per cent parasitism levels in the field as well as to understand the diversity of parasitoids in the medicinal plants ecosystem under northern tracts of West Bengal. In course of the study, a total of ten parasitoid species belonging to 5 families from 2 orders were observed in this ecosystem. Hymenopteran parasitoids were dominant, i.e., more than 90% and only one fly parasitoid species from Diptera belonging to the family Tachinidae was observed. Amongst the hymenopteran parasitoids, braconids were the prime species, found parasitizing various insect pests. All these parasitoids were observed attacking lepidopteran caterpillars which were predominant defoliators on various medicinal plants. The per cent parasitism by Copidosoma sp. on Helcystogramma hibisci was 38% which was the highest and found effective in the suppression of pest population.

Effect of Cold Storage of Trichocard on Adult Emergence and Parasitization of Trichogramma chilonis

The present study was carried out to identify the ideal temperature for proper storage of trichocards prepared from host egg Corcyra cephalonica parasitized by T. chilonis (Ishii). The effect of differential temperature on adult emergence of T. chilonis and parasitization on stored Corcyra eggs was assessed. Parasitized trichocards as well as non-irradiated eggs of C. cephalonica were maintained at 4±1°C, 8±1°C, 10±1°C and 12±1°C. The trichocards maintained at 10±1°C for 15 days resulted in highest per cent adult emergence of 73 percent which declined to 57.5 percent by 35 days of storage. By 45 days of storage, the temperatures of 4±1°C and 8±1°C recorded the highest adult emergence of 50.50 and 51.80 per cent respectively. Highest efficiency of parasitization (92.3%) was achieved by the parasitoids emerged from trichocards maintained at 4±1°C which significantly decreased with increase in temperature and duration of storage. Influence of storage of C. cephalonica eggs was observed to be significant with highest per cent parasitization on Corcyra eggs stored at 4±1 for 15 days which declined thereafter. The temperatures of 4±1°C and 10±1°C were found conducive for storage of parasitoid trichocard and eggs of C. cephalonica.

Evaluation of integrated pest management module formajor insect pests of castor in Tamil Nadu

Field trials were conducted during kharif season of 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the integrated pest management (IPM) module against major insect pests of castor in comparison with farmer's practice and untreated control. The IPM module viz., application of Btk @ 1 g/l for management ofsemilooper (Achaea janata), monitoring of tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) using pheromone trap (@ 4/acre from 30 DAS to November) and collection and destruction of gregarious stages of defoliators, application of flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 0.2ml/l (for tobacco when foliar damage reaching 25%) and profenofos 50 EC @ 1ml/l (for capsule borer and or leafhopper when damage is reaching 10%) was found effective against insect pests in castor. After the treatment, mean population ofsemilooper (0.75 larva/plant), tobacco caterpillar (1.75 larva/plant), hairy caterpillar (0.67 larva/plant), capsule borer (1.02%), leafhopper (5.77 numbers/3 leaves/plant), and thrips (3.50 thrips/spike) was low in IPM module. Per cent parasitization by Microplitis maculipennis on semilooper larvae was highest (55.9%) in untreated control plots followed by IPM module plots (22.77%). Highest seed yield of 1770 kg/ha with favourable B:C ratio of 2.68 recorded from IPM module plot.

Evaluation of integrated pest management module for major insect pests of castor in Tamil Nadu

Field trials were conducted during kharif season of 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the integrated pest management (IPM) module against major insect pests of castor in comparison with farmer's practice and untreated control. The IPM module viz., application of Btk @ 1 g/l for management ofsemilooper (Achaea janata), monitoring of tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) using pheromone trap (@ 4/acre from 30 DAS to November) and collection and destruction of gregarious stages of defoliators, application of flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 0.2ml/l (for tobacco when foliar damage reaching 25%) and profenofos 50 EC @ 1ml/l (for capsule borer and or leafhopper when damage is reaching 10%) was found effective against insect pests in castor. After the treatment, mean population ofsemilooper (0.75 larva/plant), tobacco caterpillar (1.75 larva/plant), hairy caterpillar (0.67 larva/plant), capsule borer (1.02%), leafhopper (5.77 numbers/3 leaves/plant), and thrips (3.50 thrips/spike) was low in IPM module. Per cent parasitization by Microplitis maculipennis on semilooper larvae was highest (55.9%) in untreated control plots followed by IPM module plots (22.77%). Highest seed yield of 1770 kg/ha with favourable B:C ratio of 2.68 recorded from IPM module plot.

Parasitic Potential of Bracon brevicornis Wesmael (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops and is called ‘the queen of cereals’ because of its high yielding potential than other cereals. Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the serious invasive pests found to cause higher yield loss and extensive damage on maize. Considering the ecological and environmental consequences, biological control of insect pests is gaining importance as an alternative to insecticides. However, the success of any biological control programme depends on the appropriate parasitoid: host ratio and the biological stage of the pest susceptible to parasitoid. To fortify the above facts, the present study was aimed to determine the parasitic potential of B. brevicornis on S. frugiperda through free and no choice tests. This study indicated highest parasitization at the parasitoid: host ratio of 5:1 with 68.60 and 64.95 per cent parasitization on the VI instar followed by V instar (57.75 and 56.95 %), IV instar (48.80 and 46.60 %) and III instar (32.40 and 30.67 %) respectively under free and no choice conditions, respectively. Among the parasitoid host ratios tested 5: 1 was found to be the best indicating that the parasitic potential of B. brevicornis was directly proportional to the parasitoid densities. Biological parameters of B. brevicornis studied on different S. frugiperda instars recorded highest number of eggs (32.00), grub (30.75), cocoon (29.75) and adults (28.00) on sixth instar larva of S. frugiperda followed by fifth instar larva of S. frugiperda. The results revealed that the larval size was directly proportional to the progeny development of B. brevicornis. The egg, grub and cocoon period of B. brevicornis on S. frugiperda ranged from 24.20 to 26.20 h, 72.26 to 73.20 h, 96.20 to 98.20 h, respectively. The total life cycle was completed in 192.66 to 195.80 h in all instars and was found to be on par with all the instars studied. The longevity of adults emerged from different instars were found to be on par with each other and it ranged from 362.0 to 362.8 h.

Incidence of Groundnut Leafminer (GLM), Aproaerema modicella (Deventer) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and its Parasitic Fauna on Alternate Leguminous Hosts in Tamil Nadu, India

Background: The groundnut leafminer (GLM), Aproaerema modicella is an important pest of several legume crops which causes 50 to 100 per cent yield loss in India. The exploration of indigenous natural enemies is crucial to the success of every biological control strategy. Besides, alternative host plants act as a source of both herbivorous pests and their natural enemies. In this view, occurrence of GLM and their parasitic fauna on groundnut, alternate leguminous hosts viz., redgram and babchi were recorded. Methods: Survey on damage potential of GLM and their parasitic fauna were recorded on groundnut at Sivagangai and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu, India during 2016 to 2018. Survey was also conducted to find the damage potential of A. modicella on alternate leguminous hosts viz., redgram, babchi and their parasitic fauna at Coimbatore district. The damage potential of A. modicella, per cent parasitization and parasitoid emergence were assessed from A. modicella infested groundnut, redgram and babchi leaves. Result: Severe incidence of A. modicella was recorded as 98.10% (2016 to 2017) and 98.45% (2017 to 2018) at Sivagangai district. The parasitization of GLM was also found higher at Sivagangai recording 46.67% in both the years which was positively related with the pest population. 13 hymenopteran parasitoids belonging to eight families were recorded. Among them, Avga choaspes Nixon recorded high per cent parasitoid emergence (20.00%). Furthermore, GLM incidence on redgram and babchi indicated the highest damage potential of 38.20 and 34.50 per cent and parasitization of 33.33 and 20.00 per cent, respectively during 2017 to 2018.

Performance of <i>Trichogramma chilonis</i> under different rearing temperatures

<p>Influence of rearing temperature on biological parameters of <em>Trichogramma chilonis</em> (Ishii) was studied under laboratory conditions during 2017-18. Maximum per cent parasitization and adult emergence of 74.2% and 78.91%, respectively was observed at 25+1°C followed by 71.8% and 65.21 % at 30±1°C. However, the temperature of 40+1°C was found detrimental to<em> T. chilonis</em> recording only 20.2% parasitization, the progeny of which has failed to complete the development and the adults could not emerge out. The developmental period was maximum (8 days) at 25+1°C. Also, maximum male and female longevity (5 and 12 Days, respectively) and maximum mean per day fecundity of 17 eggs per female/day were recorded at 25+1°C. The progeny was found to be male dominated with a female-male ratio of <em>T. chilonis</em> to be 0.69, 0.74 and 0.96 at 25, 30 and 35°C, respectively.</p>

Impact of Abiotic Factors and Dates of Sowing on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) Parasitoid Campoletis chloridae (Uchida) under Chickpea Cropping System in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Background: The solitary endo-larval parasitoid Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is an important biocontrol agent of H. armigera in chickpea ecosystem. Abiotic factors are likely to affect the insect host and activity of its parasitoid. Therefore, the present study was conducted to understand the impact of weather factors and different dates of sowing on per cent parasitization of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) by Campoletis chlorideae (Uchida) in chickpea ecosystem.Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation were carried out at Pantnagar during the cropping season of 2017-18. Twenty-five larvae of H. armigera (first and second instars) were collected randomly at weekly basis from untreated chickpea crop. In the laboratory, the collected larvae were reared till parasitoid emergence and observed for per cent parasitisation. Result: The observation recorded revealed that mean seasonal parasitism by Campoletis on larvae of H. armigera was found to be 21%, 43.5% and 34.5% in early (20th October), normal (11th November) and late sown crop (1st December), respectively. Various abiotic parameters like maximum and minimum temperature, maximum and minimum relative humidity registered high level of significant association with per cent parasitization in early and normal sown crop compared to the low level of association in late sown crop. The multiple regression analysis showed that the combined effect of all the meteorological parameters were responsible for 90%, 57.9% and 30.5% variation in per cent parasitization in early, normal and late sown crop, respectively.

Biological control potential of an aphid parasitoid, Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) against Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a pest of oilseed brassicas in India

Biological and behavioural attributes of Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were studied on Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The total developmental duration of the parasitoid was longer in younger nymphal instars compared to that in older nymphal instars of aphid. Host age affected the oviposition period and fecundity of the ovipositing parasitoid. Survival of the immatures was higher in older as compared to the younger instars. Sex ratio for the parasitoid was found to be female-biased. Adult longevity of D. rapae was longer for females compared to that of males. Mean longevity of adult female parasitoid was longer, while parasitizing nymphs of younger age groups (1–2 days) compared to that of older age groups (4–5 days). B. brassicae reared on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was found to be the best host for D. rapae based on high per cent parasitism and high fecundity. The parasitoid showed a higher preference towards third nymphal instar of B. brassicae both in choice and no-choice tests. The results from experiments on mutual interference revealed that per capita searching efficiency decreased significantly from 0.99 to 0.05 with an increase in parasitoid densities from 1 to 8. Logistic regression exhibited a type II functional response for D. rapae. The handling time (Th) and searching efficiency (a) values were calculated to be 1.35 ± 0.05 h and 0.025865 ± 0.001525 h, respectively. This investigation suggests that D. rapae could be an effective biocontrol agent of B. brassicae that would supplement its management options in oilseed brassicas.

Natural parasitism of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus larvae by Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu

Apanteles galleriaeWilkinson, a larval parasitoid was observed from natural population of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus larvae in Madurai region, Tamil Nadu, India. The per cent parasitisation and sex ratio (F: M) ranged from 9.09 to 23.08 per cent and 1:1 to 1: 1.40 respectively. Among different periods, high number (12) and parasitism (23.08%) were noticed during November, followed by December 2019. Thereafter, the per cent parasitism declined in March 2019. A similar trend was also observed with regards to sex ratio (F: M).

Impact of paddy growth stages on the parasitoid community of yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)

The yellow stem borer (YSB) (Scirpophaga incertulas) (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) is a conundrum pest of paddy in India. One of the best ways to overcome the attack of this pest is to control the initial stage of its life cycle by parasitoids. Per cent infestation of yellow stem borer and extent of parasitization was assessed in organic and conventional paddy fields at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Results revealed that stem borer infestation was more (0.59%) in conventional rice than organic rice (0.47%). Larval parasitoids, viz., Myosoma chinensis (Szepligeti), Trathala flavoorbitalis, Temelucha philippinensis and pupal parasitoids Xanthopimpla punctata emerged from both conventional and organic cropping systems. Myosoma chinensis was the most dominant among all the parasitoids recorded and all are new records to Delhi region. This study indicated that organic cultivation practices supported more to beneficial insects. Overall per cent parasitization under organic ecosystem was higher (34.6%) to conventional ecosystem (13.3%).

Occurrence of Fulgoraecia (= Epiricania) melanoleuca (Lepidoptera: Epipyropidae) as a parasitoid of sugarcane lophopid planthopper Pyrilla perpusilla in Tamil Nadu (India) with brief notes on its life stages

Seasonal incidence of sugarcane planthopper Pyrilla perpusilla Walker (Hemiptera: Lophopidae) and its natural enemies was investigated at Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu during 2018. In this study, Fulgoraecia melanoleuca, a parasitoid of sugarcane planthopper Pyrilla perpusilla was observed in large numbers in the field. Brief notes on its biology, life stages, and extent of parasitism on the host were studied. Per cent parasitization in nymph and adult was 47.54 and 45.09, respectively, during the month of August. High resolution images of all life stages are provided to help in identification.

Influence of weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on mealybug parasitism by encyrtids (Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae)

The influence of Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius on parasitism of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and Ferrisia virgata Cockerell by Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) ( = Aenasius bambawalei Hayat) and A. advena Compere were studied under laboratory conditions. The number of surviving A. arizonensis and A. advena was 3.40 and 5.20 at 20 th minute, and 1.0 and 0.8 at 60 th minute, respectively. Per cent parasitism was 13.60 and 10.00 in treatment with O. smaragdina for A. arizonensis and A. advena , respectively. Per cent mortality due to O. smaragdina attack was 93.33 and 94.67 for A. arizonensis and A. advena , respectively.

Reproductive performance of Trichomalopsis uziae as influenced by density of its female and host (Exorista bombycis) with a note on host exposure duration for parasitism

Trichomalopsis uziae Sureshan and Narendra Kumar (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a new addition to the already reported parasitoid complex of the tachinid uzi fly, Exorista bombycis (Diptera: Tachinidae), which causes 10-20% reduction to the silkworm ( Bombyx mori L.) cocoon production in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Due to the non-availability of information on its biological characteristics, an attempt has been made in the present investigation to document the parasitism impact of T. uziae female at various densities of its host and reproductive performance of parasitoid at ratios of 1 to 5:5 (Parasitoid: Host) and 1:1 to 50 (P: H). The reproductive performance of the parasitoid was also assessed based on the durations of host exposure for 1 to10 days at a constant P:H ratio of 1:5. The results revealed that there was no perceptible change in the rate of parasitism at different parasitoid densities. However, the progeny production per female was significantly higher ( P < 0.01 ) at a P:H ratio of 1:5 in comparison with 2:5 to 5:5. Further, at a variable host density (from 1 to 50), there was a linear decrease in per cent parasitism with an increase in host density and it was more drastic from a host density in exceed from 15. However, both progeny production and sex ratio increased with an increase in host density, more so from a host density upwards of 15. The host exposure duration and parasitism rate were significantly inferior at 1day exposure, while it was considerably high at other exposure periods. The progeny production was significantly higher at 2 to 5 days of exposure period without much difference in the sex-ratio.

Study on varietal preferences and seasonal incidence of parasitoids of rice pests

The egg masses of yellow stem borer, larvae of leaf folder and rice horned caterpillar and eggs of ear head bug were collected randomly at fortnightly interval from four different varieties viz., CO 43, CO 50, CO 51 and CR 1009 from the rice field. The data was pooled and per cent parasitization was calculated to find out the varietal preference and seasonal variations of parasitoids. Among the four different varieties tested for the preference of parasitoids, per cent parasitization of stem borer egg mass was found to be more (26.59) in CO 50. The per cent parasitization of leaf folder larvae and rice horned caterpillar was found to be maximum in CO 51(40.29) and CO 43(33.21), respectively. In case of ear head bugs, the egg parasitization was maximum (27.70) in CO 50. The mean egg mass parasitization of stem borer was highest (71.88) in first fortnight of December. The larval parasitization of leaf folder and rice horned caterpillar were found to be maximum during the second fortnight of December (64.3) and the first fortnight of January (71.88), respectively. The parasitism rate of ear head bug eggs was maximum (62.95) during the second fortnight of December. Interestingly, phoresy exhibited by Sceliocerdo sp. an egg parasitoid of Neorthacris sp. was also recorded.

Impact of silicon on sugarcane leafhopper, Pyrilla perpusilla Walker by enhancing parasitism of Epiricania melanoleuca (Fletcher)

To evaluate the effect of four silicon fertilizers, field experiment was conducted in farmer’s holding at Poovanthi village of Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu during 2017-2018 against sugarcane leaf hopper, Pyrilla perpusilla Walker and its parasitoid, Epiricania melanoleuca (Fletcher). Silicon fertilizers were applied @ 500 and 1000 kg ha -1 before planting and the leaf hopper population was recorded at 150, 180, 210, 240 and 270 days after application. The results of field experiment revealed that Pyrilla population was minimum in the plots treated with calcium silicate @ 1000 kg ha -1 (8.20 numbers/leaf) followed by calcium silicate @ 500 kg ha -1 (8.80 numbers/leaf) as compared over untreated check (98.20 numbers/leaf) and the percent reduction over untreated check was 82.45 and 73.71 per cent, respectively. Similarly, the per cent parasitism was maximum in the treatment with calcium silicate @ 1000 kg ha -1 (82.33%) during November, which was on par with untreated check. Hence, Pyrilla population declined to an extent of 82.45 per cent by enhancement of E. melanoleuca parasitism (82.33 %) due to the application of silicon fertilizers.

Population dynamics and new record of larval parasitoids, Senometopia sp. and Winthemia sumatrensis (Townsend) (Diptera: Tachinidae) on banana skipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from South Karnataka

Field study was conducted for two years (2014-16) to know the population dynamics of banana skipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) and its tachinid parasitoids, Senometopia sp., and Winthemia sumatrensis . The pooled data over the two years indicated that the skipper plant infestation ranged from 6.66 to 84.25 per cent and incidence started during the first fortnight of August (8.34 per cent incidence) when the crop was at broadleaf follower stage, and a gradual increase in the infestation level of skipper was observed with a peak activity (84.25 per cent incidence) during first fort night of January (Pre flowering period) and also extended to the flowering period (February to March). The pooled data over the years indicated the maximum incidence was recorded during pre flowering period with a mean infestation of 75.02 per cent followed by flowering period (45.67 per cent), broad leaf followers (29.58 per cent) and bunch period (1.66 per cent). Two tachinid parasitoids Senometopia sp., and W. sumatrensis were encountered during our two years study period. The larval parasitoids activity initiated from second fortnight of September (0.62 per cent) and reached its maximum population during second fortnight of November (7.25 per cent) and later parasitoid activity gradually declined till second fortnight of January (0.62 per cent). The maximum activity was noticed during pre flowering period with a mean of 3.27 per cent parasitization by Senometopia sp., and W. sumatrensis .