Evaluation of low-cost protein substitutes in adult diet of Apertochrysa astur Banks (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Abstract The exotic rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus emerged as an important pest on plantation crops, especially coconut. Among the various natural enemies, the predator Apertochrysa astur was found to be highly promising against RSW due to its amenability for mass production in the laboratory. As part of standardization of adult feed diet of this predator the diet comprising honey, Protein X, glucose, coconut pollen and yeast was found to be most suitable in the development of the A. astur adults and recorded superior biological parameters, especially in fecundity, larval hatching, larval pupation, male and female longevity and hatching too. Among the various protein substitutes evaluated instead of Protein X in the adult feed diet of A. astur green gram, bengal gram and horse gram recorded parameters on fecundity, larval, pupal survival and adult emergence equivalent to Protein X included diet in F0 and F1 generations thereby providing scope in reduction of production cost of the predator.