Potential Use of Predatory Bug Eocanthecona furcellata for Biological Control of Plutella xylostella in Chinese Kale Production

Abstract

Predatory bug Eocanthecona furcellata was investigated for the potential of biological control agent to Plutella xylostella in the laboratory and greenhouse condition. Predation rate of 3^rd to 4^th instar nymphs E. furcellata on 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th instar larvae P. xylostella were studied in the laboratory. The results showed that predation rate of 4^th and 5^th nymphal instars of E. furcellata were higher than 3^rd instar. Feeding rate were greater when they feed on 2^nd and 3^rd instar larvae than feed on 4^th instar larvae of P. xylostella. The efficiency of E. furcellata in controlling P. xylostella under greenhouse conditions was conducted. When P. xylostella population reached to economic threshold (ET), 20 of E. furcellata were released to chinese kale greenhouse (18 m³), Results showed that pest population was reduced 10.32% after 5 days of release when compared to control. Additionally, percentage of plant damage from released predatory bug greenhouse was lower than non-released greenhouse. Therefore, it is possible to release the predatory bug E. furcellata in vegetable production as a biological control agent.