Predation Potential Of Coccinella Septempunctata L., Cheilomenes Sexmaculata F., And Chrysoperla Carnea (Stephens) On Different Aphid Species

Experiment on predation efficiency of different stages of I, II, III, IV instar grubs and adult of two coccinellidsviz., Coccinella septempunctata, Cheilomenes sexmaculata and three larval stages of Chrysoperla carnea were conducted on four species of aphids viz, mustard aphid, green peach aphid, barley aphid and coriander aphid under laboratory conditions during 2004 and 2005. Results revealed that mustard aphid, L.erysimi was most suitable and preferred prey forC. septempunctata and C. carnea, whereas coriander aphid was least preferred. The first, second, third, fourth instar grubs and adults of C. septempunctata fed maximum 23.67 and 25.33; 50.80 and 54.00; 73.13 and 75.40; 82.80 and 84.33 and 60.13 and 63.07 aphids per day of L. erysimi during 2004 and 2005, respectively.