Development of mycophagous ladybird beetle, psyllobora bisoctonotata (mulsant) (coleoptera: coccinellidae) on powdery mildew (erysiphe polygoni dc) of blackgram (vigna mungo l. hepper)

In India a number of agriculturally important crops are attacked by the obligate biotrophic fungi of the family Erysiphaceae (Ascomycota: Erysiphales) causing powdery mildew resulting in great economic losses. Psyllobora bisoctonotata (Mulsant) a mycophagous coccinellid (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has been found to feed on powdery mildew in natural condition. A study was conducted to gather information on the development of P. bisoctonotata feeding on the powdery mildew (Erysiphe Polygoni) of the blackgram (Vigna mungo). Results indicate short developmental duration and higher survival ratio.