Studies on Biology and Feeding Potential of Ladybird Beetle Coccinella Septempunctata (Linn.) on Different Natural and Artificial Diets

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on biology and feeding potential of ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata (Linn.) on different natural and artificial diets.” was carried out during Nov.2020 to March 2021 at Bio-control laboratory, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut. It was observed that the biology of Coccinella septempunctata on Lipaphis erysimi duration of the egg incubation, total larval, pupal and adult male and female periods were 3.92±0.12, 12.16±0.36, 5.80±0.17, 30.85±0.93, and 36.63±1.10 days, respectively. To evaluate feeding potential of Coccinella septempunctata during grub to adult period consumed significantly maximum aphids of A. craccivora (1,919.36), as compared to other aphid species followed by L. erysimi, (1,719.40), Myzus persicae (1,712.54), Brevicoryne brassicae (1,570.2), Aphis gossypii (1,315.69), Corcyra eggs (1,177.64) respectively. The result of feeding potential artificial diets show preference of Coccinella septempunctata was in the order of Sugar solution>Honeysolution>Honey+Proteinex+Distilledwater>Distilledwater+Sugar solution>Mustard flower+Distilled water. A total 13000 eggs were collected from one oviposition cage. Total cost of production of 13000 eggs was Rs. 1490. The price of 100 No. adult beetle was 400 (ICAR/SAUs rate). 4400 adult was production from 13000 eggs. Cost benefit ratio was (1:11:81).