Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake P. O., Bangalore-560089, Karnataka, India
Distatrix (=Apanteles) papailionis (Vireck) is a potential braconid larval parasitiod of citrus butterflies (Papilio spp.) causing up to 73% parasitism in India. The response of D. papilionis to different chemicals was studied with a view to select safer ones for integration into citrus pest management programmes. Adult parasitoids were exposed to citrus leaves treat with 11 plant products and 11 conventional pesticides besides Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) and streptomycin sulphate at recomended doses. Dicofol (0.05%), copper oxychloride (0.20%), streptomycin sulphate (200 ppm) and plant products except Neemark were found to be non-toxic to the adult parasitoids. Ten other chemicals which showed initial toxicity were further examined for their residual toxic effect on D. papilionis. The results indicated that Neemark (2%) was found to be non-toxic one day after application, while phoslone (0.07%), chlorpyrifos (0.05%) and dimethoate (0.05%) did not cause any mortality on the 14th day of treatment. The toxicity of cypermethrin to D. papilionis lasted beyond one month after application. The safer and less persistant chemicals found in the present studies can be utilised in developing the pest management programme in citrus.
