First record of <em>Ooencyrtus pallidipes</em> (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) parasitizing eggs of <i>Erionota torus</i> Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in India

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The banana skipper Erionota torus Evans has recently emerged as a serious pest of banana. In the present study for the first time egg parasitism of E. torus by Ooencyrtus pallidipes (Ashmead), a gregarious parasitoid, is reported from India. The natural percent parasitism observed was 80−82% in the banana field located at Komanal, Shivamogga district, Karnataka. Since this parasitoid has served as an effective biological control agent for E. torus in Mauritius and Taiwan, possibilities are there that it can establish as a potential biological control agent in India as well.