Enhancement of the reproductive potential of Mallada boninensis Okamoto (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), a predator of red spider mite infesting tea: An evaluation of artificial diets

Green lacewing Mallada boninensis is an important predator of various soft-bodied arthropods, including red spider mites in tea. Efforts were made to develop mass rearing technology for this predator in a cost effective manner. Three combinations of artificial diets (Protinex (AD1), egg yolk (AD2) and royal jelly (AD3) based) were evaluated in comparison with standard diet (Protinex + Honey). All the tested diets influenced the egg-laying capacity of M. boninensis. The egg yolk-based diet resulted in more egg production than the other two diets. Survival of all life stages of M. boninensis was also observed on each diet and no significant difference was noticed. Results revealed that the egg yolk-based diet is the best of the three diet combinations tested in view of high fecundity and survival rate of M. boninensis

Characterization of ginger rhizome lectin and its efficacy in controlling red spider mite in tea

Methodology was developed to isolate and characterize the ginger rhizome lectin and its applied aspects in integrated pest management in tea. Lectin, a defense protein with mannose specificity was purified from fresh rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) by affinity chromatography. Purified fractions of lectin showed agglutination with rabbit erythrocytes. SDS PAGE analysis revealed the presence of 15 KDa ginger rhizome lectin. Bio-efficacy of purified ginger rhizome lectin was experimented on red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae Nietner) under in-vitro conditions. It was observed that 100 µg ml–1 of purified lectin caused in toto mortality of adult red spider mite. Identical results were observed in terms of ovipositional deterrence of red spider mite at 100 µg ml–1 of ginger rhizome lectin. Results suggest that ginger rhizome could be used as an alternative plant source for lectin isolation and it can be used as an acaricide in the IPM schedule or organic tea fields