Survey and Surveillance of insect pests and their natural enemies in acid lime ecosystems of south coastal Andhra Pradesh

Acid lime is one of the commercial horticultural crops grown widely in the South coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Roving and fixed plot surveys were carried out during 2006–07 to assess the major insect pests and their natural enemies occurring on acid lime, Citrus aurantifolia Swingle in Nellore district of this region. The results revealed that twelve species of insects and mites and six species of natural enemies occurred in acid lime ecosystem. The citrus leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton and rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora Ashmead were in severe form whereas citrus butterfly, Papilio demoleus Linn. and leaf roller, Psorosticha zizyphi Stainton showed moderate infestation. Rest all were at low levels and their infestations varied among different areas of Nellore district.