Rungkiat Kawpet Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Thailand.
Email: rungkiat_kaw@dusit.ac.th
Ravee Ganeshaborirak Program in Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Production, Mae Jo University, Thailand.
Email: raveeganesha@gmail.com

Abstract:

This study aimed to evaluate species diversity and population dynamics of citrus insect pests and their associated natural enemies in the Chiang Mai and Lamphang provinces. Additionally, it examined the biology and feeding potential of selected natural enemies to support the development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme. Analysis of population dynamics identified the lime butterfly (Papilio demoleus, Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella, Lepidoptera: Phyllocnistidae), yellow citrus aphid (Aphis citricola, Hemiptera: Aphididae), and thrips (Thrips spp., Thysanoptera: Thripidae) as major insect pests affecting citrus crops year-round. Among the 26 species of natural enemies observed, the stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), assassin bug Sycanus collaris (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), and green lacewing Mallada basalis (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) emerged as potential predators for augmentative biological control of key pests. Species diversity was found to play a critical role in sustainable pest management strategies, as evidenced by a strong positive correlation (r = 0.82) between pest populations and their natural enemies. The feeding efficacy of the three selected predators was also assessed. Eocanthecona furcellata and Sycanus collaris demonstrated high potential in suppressing major lepidopterous pests, with feeding rates of 5.62±1.33 and 4.25±2.14 caterpillars per day, respectively. Conversely, Mallada basalis exhibited significant potential for controlling leaf-sucking pests, including aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, and thrips. The study thus underscores the biological and predatory potential of these natural enemies, advocating their use in IPM programmes to manage citrus pests effectively.

Keywords:Citrus Insect Pests, Natural Enemies, Biological Control, Pest Management, Species Diversity, Citrus Crops.