Effect of parasitoid (Epiricania melanoleuca) on sugarcane leafhopper population under field conditions
Abstract
Epiricania melanoleuca is a important parasitoid of sugarcane leafhopper in tropical condition of sugarcane plantation. This parasitoid was first appeared (0.23 cocoons/leaf) in second fortnight of September when nymphs and adults population was 7.47 and 0.83 per leaf of sugarcane were observed. Parasitoid population gradually increase and reached their peak at first fortnight of October as 16.60nymphs and 1.03 adults were noticed with 0mm rainfall, 32.40°C and 21.87°C temperatures, 84.50% relative humidity 0.94km/hour wind velocity and 8.61hours/day as bright sunshine hours. The present study was performed to evaluate effect of this parasitoid on major sugarcane pest. This study may be helpful for farmers to avoid pesticide application and awareness about biological control with yield enhancement.
Keywords
Parasitoid, Sugarcane leafhopper, Population, Predator-prey relations
