K. Sahayaraj and P. Selvaraj
Abstract
Rhynocoris fuscipes'is an important reduviid predator predating upon more than 42 insect pests. In this study we evaluated the suitability of sex ratios (4:1, 2:1 , 3:2, I:1, 2:3 and 1:2 female : male) for the mass production of R. fuscipes by life table analysis.The gross reproductive rate, orbitrary value of innate capacity for increase and weekly multiplication were maximum in 3:2 sex ratio. This category also had minimum precise generation(75.6 i days) and doubling time (13.10 days) respectively.The present findings suggested that 3 female and 2 male combination of adults could be maintained at the time of mass rearing of this predator.