IMPACT OF AUGMENTATION OF PARASITOID ACEROPHAGUS PAPAYAE NOYES AND SCHAUFF (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) ON PAPAYA MEALY BUG PARACOCCUSMARGINATUS WILLIAM GRANARA DE WILLINK (HEMIPTERA: PSEUDOCOCCIDAE) AT KARACHI– SINDH

Abstract

Studies were initiated in two sets of experiments, to know the impact of augmentation of parasitoid AcerophaguspapayaeNoyes &Schauffon mealy bug ParacoccusmarginatusWilliam Granara de Willinkpopulations. In one set of experimentinoculative (one time)release was made in March in papaya orchard of about one acre area at the rate of 1000 mummies (parasitized mealy bugs)per 5; 10 and 20 plants; each in three replicates. In the other set of experiment 10,000 mummies of the parasitoid were released every month per acre from March onwards in three replicates. Impact of augmentation was found not very effective in controlling mealy bug as compared with orchards existing nearer to where natural enemies field reservoir (NEFR)was maintained. Howeverinocoultive release of the parasitoid @ 1000 mummies per five plants seemed better for biological management of the pest. More observations are needed to standardize the required doze of the parasitoid quantum for one time release atbeginning of spring season when the mealy bug started breeding at faster rate. This could be recommended to cover a wide area for biological control of the papaya mealy bug. Pest densities measured in biologically managed orchards indicated significant decrease in mealy bug densities compared with pesticides managed orchards.