Diversity of predatory coccinellids in fruit crops in Madurai and Periyakulam districts of southern Tamil Nadu
-
Author:B.S. REKHA1, S. RAGURAMAN2, M. KANDIBANE3 AND M. SWAMIAPPAN4
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:94, Issue:jan-jun
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.100635
Abstract
Studies were undertaken on the diversity of predatory coccinellids in two locations
of horticultural ecosystems comprising citrus, guava, mango, sapota and pomegranate
in Madurai and Periyakulam of Madurai and Theni districts, respectively, in Tamil
Nadu. Of ten species of predatory coccinellids recorded, the dominant coccinellid species
were Chilocorus nigrita (F.), Jauvaria sp. Nephus regularis Sicard and Nephus sp. The
occurence of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.), Scymnus castaneus Sicard, Scymnus coccivora
Ayyar and Pseudaspidimerus trinotatus Thunberg were low while Chilocorus circumdatus
(Gyllenhal) was the rare species. Pomegranate in Madurai and citrus and mango in
Periyakulam had high species richness. Equitable distribution of species was recorded
in mango in Madurai. But more species evenness was recorded in citrus, guava, sapota
and pomegranate in Periyakulam. Diversity of coccinellids was high in mango and
pomegranate in Madurai while in citrus, guava and sapota in Periyakulam. Simpson’s
diversity values (for an individual of coccinellid taxa) were high in guava and pomegranate
in Madurai, while in citrus, mango and sapota in Periyakulam. This study suggests
that the diversity of coccinellid depends on the associated prey insects and more particularly
to the locality. Hence, a complete data sheet on the diversity of the coccinellids is
warranted on crops in association with prey insects to know the dominant species, which
may be conserved or released for efficient biosuppression of pest insects
Key words : Diversity, coccinellids, citrus, guava, mango, sapota, pomegranate