Study on insect pest complex of cucurbits in the agro-ecosystem of Tripura, N.E. India

A total of 21 insect species have been recorded, out of which 12 pests are major and remaining 9 species are of minor category on the basis of extent of injury made by them. Twelve insect species namely, Aphis gossypii, Aulacophora foveicollis, Aulacophora lewisii, Bemisia tabaci, Dacus longicornis, Diaphania indica, Epilachna dodecastigma, Epilachna septima, Liriomyza trifolii, Thrips palmi, Zeugodacus cucurbitae and Zeugodacus tau were recorded as major pests capable of causing considerable damage. Among them, fruit flies are the most devastating pests causing significant damage to their hosts depending on the host susceptibility. On an average, 12 - 76% fruit damages have been recorded in various cucurbits due to the attack of fruit flies, namely Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Zeugodacus tau and Dacus longicornis. Out of total 21 pests, Adoxophyes fasciculana, Anadevidia peponis, Halyomorpha picus, Helicoverpa armigera, Metacanthus pulchellus, Nesidiocoris tenuis, Sphenarches caffer, Zeugodacus cilifer and Zeugodacus diversus have been recorded as minor pests.