In Situ Conservation of Arthropod Natural Enemies of Crop Pests

Abstract

An entomophage park covering an area of 0.2 ha conserved 28 species of arthropods in situ, which acted as natural enemies of several insect pests. The major entomophages conserved in the park included Trichogramma chilonis, Geocoris ochropterus, Chrysoperla carnea, Rogas aligarhensis, Chelomenus sexmaculatus and Coccinella septempunctata. The entomophages emained active throughout the year, as the park was undisturbed and free from insecticide applications. Establishment of entomophage parks can help conserve the biodiversity of natural enemies of insect pests and provide a reservoir of beneficial organisms for the subsequent biological control of crop pests.