Impact of field releases of predatory bug, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius against mites in apple in Kashmir

Blaptostethus pallescens was evaluated against Panonychus ulmi and Tetranychus urticae attacking apple in high density plantation. The predator in 2nd star was released twice in a week @ 200 (T1) and 400 (T2) bugs^-plant along with a chemical check, fenazaquin (T3) 40 EC @ 0.4 ml^-L and untreated check (T4). Field potential of B. pallescens was found more promising against T. urticae than Panonychus ulmi when compared statistically, at both the doses. The released B. pallescens was found successful in restricting the population of Panonychus ulmi below economic threshold level of 10^-leaf @ 400 bugs^-plant. Survivalability of released bugs on apple plants was more when released @ 400 bugs^-plant and worked out as 21.42, 8.25 and 2.75% after 24, 48 and 72 h of release.