Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): A potential biocontrol agent of the major tea pest Hyposidra talaca (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to generate information on the fitness of the potential predator Eocanthecona furcellata in order to develop the biological control strategy for the destructive tea pest Hyposidra talaca (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). This predatory bug showed high reproduction, growth, and survival fitness when reared on an alternative host Corcyra cephalonica under laboratory conditions. The predatory potential of this pentatomid bug revealed an average of 7.6±0.47 larvae per day by the female predator. However, all the nymphal stages showed a significant increase in predation with the advancement of developmental stages. All the life stages of the predator when exposed to commonly used recommended pesticides in the tea ecosystem viz., Quinalphos 25 EC, Thiamethoxam 25WG, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, and Flubendiamide 20 WG at the recommended doses, showed superior fitness in the treatment with Emamectin benzoate and Flubendiamade when compared to other two pesticides. Therefore, this study shows that E. furcellata could be utilized effectively by mass rearing and augmentative field release for the management of H. talaca.

Keywords: tea, predator, IPM.