Phototactic Response and Taxonomic Distribution of Predaceous Species of Paddy Ecosystem

Author: Amit Kumar Sharma, Neeraj Kumar, Naveen, Shardhha Tare, Siddarth Nayak and Sitaram Seervi

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Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at the Research Farm of the College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.) during Kharif 2020 with a view to collect valuable information on the distribution of predatory species of paddy ecosystem in the Jabalpur region. The majority of nocturnal insect pests with a positive phototropic response are being controlled with light traps. Therefore, gathering data and documentation on natural enemies found in the paddy ecosystem's light traps is equally crucial. During the investigation, light trap collection was represented by a total of 17 predatory species. These species belong to 5 orders and 13 families. Among these orders, Coleoptera was the highest order with 4 families and 6 species. The highest size of trap catch of 3,856 beetles was recorded in Coccinella sp. of the family Coccinellidae. Hemiptera was the next order, represented by 3 families and 5 species. Major hemipteroid predatory species were Canthecona furcellata (166), Antilochus sp. (122) Ectomocoris cordiger (145), Sirthenea sp. (98) and Erthesina fullo (52). Among the other predatory orders, Odonata was represented by Libellula sp. (224) and Coenagrion sp. (52). Similarly orders Hymenoptera was also represented by two species viz. Eumenes sp. (58) and Dorylus sp. (21) while order Dictioptera was represented by only one species each. Thus, these results concluded that the positive benefit far outweighs the negative effect, demonstrating the safety of using light traps in IPM programmes with regard to their influence on natural enemies.

Keywords

Predator, distribution, light trap, paddy, ecosystem, Integrated Pest Management, monitoring

Conclusion

The present study indicated the presence of 17 phototropic predatory species in the paddy ecosystem of the Balaghat region while the majority of well-known predatory and parasitic species were either very rare or absent from trap catches. As a result, the positive benefit far outweighs the negative effect, demonstrating the safety of using light traps in IPM programmes with regard to their influence on natural enemies.

References

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How to cite this article

Amit Kumar Sharma, Neeraj Kumar, Naveen, Shardhha Tare, Siddarth Nayak and Sitaram Seervi (2023). Phototactic Response and Taxonomic Distribution of Predaceous Species of Paddy Ecosystem. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 91-94.