Kairomone formulations as reinforcing agents for increasing abundance of Chrysoperla cornea (Stephens) in cotton ecosystem

Adults and larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) utilize different kairomones for oviposition, prey selection and acceptance. The larval kairomones containing scale extracts fortified with tricosane along with the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) as the supplementary diet, and the adult kairomone, acid hydrolyzcd L-tryptophan were studied to increase the predatory activity of the C. earned in cotton ecosystem at three locations during 2002 - 2004. Controls were maintained with the two releases of C. earned and without any treatment. In all the locations, the number of eggs, larvae, pupae or adult C. earned was more than the treated control and control. The number of aphids, jassids, and the incidence of bollworm were significantly less in kairomone treated plots, compared to other plots. However, no difference was observed in the activity of roccinellids predators. The scope for utilizing the kairomones as reinforcing agents for C. earned is discussed.