Arthropod Fauna of Cotton Agroecosystem in Punjab

Arthropod fauna was recorded in cotton agroecosystem in experiments carried out during 2006 at twolocations Entomological Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and farmers field at Mansa district of Punjab. Arthropods were collected from aerial plant parts only by using various sampling methods such as standard sweep nets, aerial nets, beat buckets and whole plant inspections. 134 species of arthropods, including Hymenoptera (23.9%), Hemiptera (19.4%), Coleoptera (16.4%), Lepidoptera (14.2%), Orthoptera (8.2%), Diptera and spiders (4.5% each), Odonata (2.9%), Dictyoptera, Isoptera and mites (1.5% each) and Neuroptera and Thysanoptera (0.7% each) were found to be associated with cotton crop. 54 species of herbivorous insects and mites were recorded from the cotton crop. Natural enemies accounted for one third of the total arthropod fauna on cotton crop. This study would serve as baseline information for insect biodiversity and changing pest complex on cotton crop and help in framing efficient cotton pest management strategies.