Eco-friendly control of Citrus Leaf miner, Phyllocnistis Citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) using the biological agents and pesticide oil: towards an integrative approach.

Abstract

The citrus leaf miner (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is an important pest of citrus that attacks the new flushes of citrus. In this study, biological agents like Chrysoperla carnea and Trichogramma chilonis were used along with pesticide oil (Diver^® 95%) to control this pest by using exclusive method. Analysis revealed that maximum mortality was observed in 9 day by C. carnea larvae and T. chilonis adults. Results showed that accumulative mortality maximum in 9 day were 18.75±0.85 as compared to 3, 6 day, and control with mean mortality 7.25±0.85, 8.5±1.25, and 0.25±0.25 respectively. In addition, maximum mortality was observed in 9 day when combined 5 Larvae+5ml/L was used with mean mortality 18.00±0.70 as compared to 3, 6 day, and control with mean mortality 6.5±0.64, 7.25±0.47 and 0.75±0.25 respectively. While in case of combine action of T. chilonis and pesticide oil, maximum mortality 15.5±0.86 was observed in 9 day when combined 5 adults+5ml/L was used as compared to 3, 6 day, and control with mean mortality 4±0.40, 5±0.91, and 0.25±0.25 respectively.