Evaluation of release rates of predator, Apertochrysa astur (Banks) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) against Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin

Abstract

Evaluation of release rates of a generalist predator, Apertochrysa astur was carried out against Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (RSW) during 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Dr. YSRHU - SKPP Polytechnic College, Ramachandrapuram and Dr. YSRHU - Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Ambajipeta (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 eggs per palm). The overall and pooled results during the years 2020-21 and 2021-22, indicated that clipping of A. astur at 600 eggs/palm (T6) recorded the lowest number of RSW spirals, nymphs and pupae, whereas the control palms (T8) recorded with a maximum number of RSW spirals, nymphs and pupae per leaflet.