Seasonal incidence of predator Menochilus sexmaculatus (Berliner) on brinjal and harmful effect of insecticides on the predator

The predator, Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fb.) in terai region of West Bengal was found active throughout the year and highest population was recorded (9.0/plant) on 13^th standard week. Population of Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fb.) showed negative correlation with temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Field evaluation revealed that the insecticides from biological origin were relatively less harmful to the predator than synthetic insecticides. The pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis ver. kurstaki (Berliner) was less harmful and caused lower killing of the predator (36.58% killing), whereas the synthetic insecticide, DDVP caused higher killing (60.32% killing).