Studies on the Biology and Predatory Potential of Harmonia dimidiata, a Major Predator of Aphis pomi De Geer on Apple Host in India

Abstract

Observations were made on young nursery plants and apple orchards to record the coccinellid predators of Aphis pomi De Geer on apple plants in Himachal Pradesh which is main apple growing state of India. Nine species of lady bird beetles were observed feeding on green apple aphid, Aphis pomi De Geer on the apple nursery plants of Mashobra locality of Shimla district and Ner Chowk locality of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. On the basis of general observations, it was found that the larvae of beetle Harmonia dimidiata (F.), are very active to feed on the nymphs of green apple aphid. Therefore, it was considered worthwhile to investigate the biology and feeding potential of this beetle on green apple aphid from biological control point of view.