Natural biological control ofChrysodeixis includens

Abstract

AbstractA wide variety of abiotic and biotic factors act on insect pests to regulate their populations. Knowledge of the time and magnitude of these factors is fundamental to understanding population dynamics and developing efficient pest management systems. We investigate the natural mortality factors, critical pest stages, and key mortality factors that regulateChrysodeixis includenspopulations via ecological life tables. The total mortality caused by natural factors was 99.99%. Natural enemies were the most important mortality factors in all pest stages. The critical stages ofC. includensmortality were second and fourth instars. The key mortality factors were predation by ants in the second instar and predation by Vespidae in the fourth instar. The elimination of these factors can cause an increase of 77.52 and 85.17% ofC. includenspopulation, respectively. This study elucidates the importance of natural enemies and other natural mortality factors inC. includenspopulation regulation. These factors should be considered in developing and implementingC. includensmanagement strategies and tactics in order to achieve effective and sustainable pest control.