Incidence and survival of insect pests and their natural enemies on asparagus (Asparagus officinalis Linn) intercropped with different pesticidal plan
by Mamerto R. Rodelas
- Indang, Cavite, Cavite State University- Main Campus, 1995.
- 63p. : ill. ; 28 cm. illustrations ; cm.
Thesis (B.S.A.--Crop protection) Don Severino Agricultural College
Includes bibliographical references.
Rodelas, Mamerto R. April 1995. "Incidence and Survival of Insect Pests and their Natural Enemies on Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis Linn.) Intercropped with Different Pesticidal Plants". Thesis, BSA, Crop Protection, Entomology, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Don Severino Agricultural College, Indang, Cavite. Thesis Adviser: Dr. Evelyn A. Oquias. The experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Project of the Crop Science Department from October 1994 to February 1995. This study aimed to collect and identify the insect pests and natural enemies in asparagus associated with three pesticidal plants namely chrysanthemum, marigold and red pepper; to determine which pesticidal plants has the highest repellant property; to determine the effect of pesticidal plants on beneficial arthropods; and to evaluate the effect of pesticidal plants on the yield of asparagus. Collected insects were brought to the laboratory of the Biological Science Department and were identified into order and family level using taxonomic keys. Families of insects that occurred were, Tortricidae, Lymantriidae, Pterophoridae, Noctuidae, Psychidae, Tettigo-niidae, Acrididae, Pseudococcidae, Miridae, Cicadellidae and Lycaenidae. Among the thirteen families, Tortricidae was the most dominant insect group, followed by Lymantriidae. Some characteristics of insect pests and their natural enemies were also described. The number of beneficial arthropods was also determined. These are the spiders, (Arachnida); lady bird beetle (Coccinelidae); ants (Formicidae); Braconid wasps (Braconidae); Chalcid wasp (Chalcididae); Tachinid flies (Tachinidae); praying mantis (Mantodea) and syrphid flies (Syrphidae). The spiders and lady bird beetles were the two dominant groups and were found abundant in asparagus intercropped with chrysanthemum (T1). The presence of chrysanthemum served as a cue for natural enemies to attack the insect pests of asparagus. The yield of asparagus remained in optimum level and was not affected by insect pests throughout the period of observation.