Preferences and Predation of Plesiochrysa ramburi (Schneider) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Against Mealybug Pest Parchoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Abstract

Mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus is one of the critical insect pests on papaya plants. Biological control uses the predator Plesiochrysa ramburi to control the pest in papaya plant unreported yet. This study aimed to determine the potential of Pl. ramburi to P. marginatus through studies of preferences and predation. No-choice test and choice test carried out for 24 hours on Pl. ramburi larvae, instar I, II and III feed on P. marginatus stadia nymph instar I, II, III and imago. The experiment has repeated ten times. Predation tests were performed with CRD and analyzed with ANOVA. The results showed that both in no-choice test and choice test, Pl. ramburi larvae feed on P. marginatus instar I. Stadia Pl. ramburi that most preys on P. marginatus was the third instar larvae. It lead to the physiological state shown by the ease in handling prey (handling time) so that it can be said as an indication of visual stimulation from instar I movement. Predation test on Pl. ramburi to the prey density of P. marginatus indicated that the denser the prey, the higher the predation at 3 hours and 6-hour intervals.