Effect of cow milk on sucking pests and insect predators on rose

Cow milk was evaluated for toxicity bioassays against three pests of rose, i.e., aphids (Macrosiphum roseiformis), thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) and two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) and its influence on two predatory insects ladybird beetles (Coccinella septempunctata) and minute pirate bugs (Orius laevigatus). In addition, anti and pro effects of the milk on behavioural responses of all experimental insects/mites were determined by using choice-no-choice method. Results revealed that milk has a potential to be used as a insect/mite control agent on roses, as it gave remarkable control of all the tested sucking pests of rose and found completely safe towards two general insect predators. In addition, repellent effect of milk was also noticed on these pests.