Effect of organic amendments on the activity of Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in chilli, (Capsicum annuum L.)

Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2005 and 2006, at the main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka, S. India to assess the effect of organic amendments viz., vermicompost, neem cake and vermiwash on the activity of predator fauna of chilli insect pests. Menochilus sexmaculatus (F.) and Chrysoperla cornea (Stephens) were the predators observed on the crop. The organics, (vermicompost, neem cake and vermiwash) used in the study did not affect the predators, and was comparable to the predator density seen in untreated control. While, chemical interventions made on the crop for control of insect pests, exerted detrimental effects on the predator population. The present studies indicate that organics, now extensively used in organic farming, do not have any adverse effects on the activity of beneficials found in the crop ecosystem.