08 Ara 2024 Pazar
Biodiversity of Aphidiinae species (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in Sargodha region with particular reference to citrus orchards
Abstract :In
nature, different Aphidiinae parasitoids play a vital role in the reduction of
aphid that cause huge economic losses to citrus by attacking even before
flowering to fruit formation which ultimately results in decreased fruit
production and poor juice contents. The diversity of Aphidiines has never been
surveyed in citrus growing localities of Sargodha region. So, their
distribution, richness and dominance in the specified area have to be
investigated for their bio-control efficiency. Surveys were done during January
2014 to December 2015 from various citrus growing localities using malaise
traps yielded 1107 parasitoids belonging to 5 species under 4 genera. Out of
them, 2 species (Lipolexis gracilis, L. scutellaris) were new
records to the area. Aphidiinae population was abundant in citrus orchards
during the months of Feb-April and Oct-Dec while less in remaining months of
the year. So this study helps us in knowing the abundance, richness and
dominance of Aphidiinae in citrus growing localities of Sargodha, Pakistan and
also tells us that in which season or weather Aphidiinae parasitoids are
abundant in nature to control aphid pests.
Braconidae,
Hymenoptera, Parasitoids, Citrus orchards, Taxonomic keys