Survey on insect pests of acid lime, Citrus aurantifolia in northern Karnataka, India

Abstract

Acid lime, Citrus aurantifolia is one of the major fruit crops grown in northern Karnataka, India. In recent times,area under cultivation of acid lime is increasing, changed scenario of cultivation was found to increase potential threat tovarious insect pests. A study was conducted to know about insect pests and natural enemies occurring in acid limeecosystem. The monthly roving survey was carried out for an year (November 2020 to October 2021) in major acid limegrowing taluks of Vijayapura and Bagalakot district. The results indicated occurrence of six insect pests, one non-insect pestand four natural enemies on acid lime. Among the different insect pests, lepidopteran pests namely citrus butterfly, Papiliodemoleus and Papilio polytes and citrus leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella were found in serious proportions on acid lime. Thesucking pests viz., psyllids, blackfly, mealybug and aphids were found in less incidence status. However, a non-insectsucking pest mite was seen moderately high levels on acid lime. Among natural enemies, the coccinellids, green lacewingsand spiders were major predatory fauna recorded on acid lime