Studies on the Biology and the predatory potential of green lacewing, chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on different insect hosts

Abstract

The present investigation entitled "Studies on the biology and the predatory potential of Green lacewing, Ch1ysoperla carnea (Stephens) on different insect hosts" under laboratory condition was carried out during Nov. 2014 to March 2015 at Bio-control laboratory, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Uni. of Agri. and Tech., Meerut. During the study . period the Green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea adults were collected from the flowers of di1Terent crop plants in Meerut region. Isolated Ch1ysoperla cm·nea adults were identified on the basis of their external morphology. The Ch1ysoperla carnea completed their life cycle in 32-34 days. It was observed that the incupation, larval, pupal period and male, female longevity average 3.1, 8.8, 7.1 days and 26.2, 32.5 days, respectively. The feeding potential of Ch1ysoperla cm·nea larvae was observed under laboratory condition. The total food consumption of a single larva of Chrysoperla carnea were 419.32 ±11.75, 191.66 ±8.04, 166.66 ± 7.49, 155.99 ±7.26 and 143.66 ±6.96, eggs of C. cephalonica, nymph of A. craccivora, nymph of L. e1ysimi, nymph of M. hirsutus and nymph of D. mangifera, respectively. The fecundity of Chrysoperla carnea female was recorded on different flowers diet. The highest number of eggs was recorded 359.4 ±6.3, 274.46 ±6.38, 146.46 ±5.85, 126.26 ±6.02 and I 09.26 ±5.47 eggs on the flowesr 9f Ricinus communis, followed by Brassica campestris, Hibiscus rosasinensis, artificial diet (honey+protein) and Cicer arietinum, respectively. The total 6 adult oviposition cages were maintained for the mass production of Cl11ysoperla cm·nea. A total of 24055 eggs were collected from one oviposition cage. The total cost estimated as sum of cost of rearing culture and initial purchase cost, which was Rs.768. As a result of this adopted technique approximately 24055 eggs per month were obtained, which was an additional output. The cost of egg production was observed Rs. 0.03/egg. In the result obtained that the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica, nymph of Aphis craccivora for larval food and the caster flower, mustard flower and artificial diet (honey+protein) for adults diet, respectively wer_e found to be the most suitable host for the mass production of predator Green lacewmg, Chrysoperla cm·nea.