Effect of Farming Systems on Diversity and Seasonal Abundance of Insect Pests and their Natural Enemiesin Cauliflower

Abstract

A study was conducted on effect of two farming systems namely zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) and conventional farming (CF) on diversity and seasonal abundance of insect pests of cauliflower and their natural enemies during 2018-19 and 2019-20. Studies revealed that ZBNF system harboured less pest diversity and attracted more natural enemies as compared to the CF system. Natural enemy activity and % parasitisation were maximum in ZBNF system as compared to CF system. The results indicate that indigenous ZBNF formulations and intercropping have a positive effect on the population of natural enemies and repelled the insect pests much better as compared to CF system.

Population Dynamics of the Coriander Aphids in Hyper Arid Region of Rajasthan and their Correlation with Biotic and Abiotic Factors

“…"The coriander aphid belongs to the family Aphididae. Both the nymphs and adults of aphid cause qualitative and quantitative losses to seed yields up to 50 per cent by sucking cell sap from inflorescences/umbels during February-March" [11,12,13,14]. "There are a number of beneficial natural enemies that attack aphids, including host-specialised parasitic wasps, as well as generalist predators such as hoverfly larvae, and adults and larvae of ladybird beetles and lacewings.…”