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ABSTRACT:The anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius was studied for the first time on red spider mite (RSM), Oligonychus coffeae Nieter. Laboratory studies indicated that B. pallescens can be successfully reared on RSM. Incubation period was 4.4 ± 0.34 days. The total developmental period of five nymphal instars to adults was 17.1 ± 0.34 days. Blaptostethus pallescens nymphs consumed RSM in the range of 3.83 ± 0.18 to 17.37±0.95/day. Female B. Pallescens consumed more mites than male. The study clearly showed B. pallescens is a promising candidate in tea plantations for the control of red spider mite.

Helopeltis theivora is considered as one of the major pest in tea plantations causing considerable economic damage. Recent control strategies against this notorious polyphagous pest mainly depend on the application of insecticides. The study is focused on the antennal response of H. theivora on exposure to different insecticides using electroantenogram (EAG). The result showed that the insects perceive quinalphos as they are frequently exposed to it. The hierarchy of the EAG response of exposed and unexposed insects was quinalphos > bifenthrin > deltamethrin > thiamethoxam.

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Helopeltis theivora commonly called as tea mosquito bug (TMB) is considered as important pest of tea in South India. Extensive survey in tea plantations of Anamallais, recorded H. bradyi and Pachypeltis maesarum (Hemiptera: Miridae) causing considerable damage and were registered for the first time on tea. Their occurrence was seen in association with H. theivora. There was considerable variation among these species in size of the circular rings formed by rostral piercing, indicating that these three species can be easily demarcated based on the observation of feeding punctures even in field condition. As the dosage and recommendations of insecticides against TMB in tea in south India was pertaining only to H. theivora the addition of H. bradyi and P. maesarum will improve the future pest management strategies.