Effect of border crop on the population of Chilominus sexmaculatus and Coccinella septumpunctata in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Field experiments were carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Devihosur, Haveri during kharif 2006 and 2007 to find out the effect of border crop of maize on the coccinellid population in chilli variety Byadagi dabbi. Results revealed that chilli plots surrounded by two rows of maize all along the border (untreated) recorded significantly more number of coccinellids (2.56/p) at 15 weeks after transplanting(WAT) compared to chilli crop bordered by maize (treated-1.18/p). Whereas, standard check recorded least number of coccinellid population(0.49/p) which received chemical spray periodically and was found that these chemicals were found to be detrimental to natural enemy population. The present studies indicated that maize grown all along the border of chilli crop contributed significantly in conserving natural enemy population.