Biology, Seasonal Abundance and Management of Painted Bug (Bagrada Hilaris Burmeister) in Eastern Rajasthan

Laboratory studies on the biology of painted bug (Bagrada hilaris Burm.) revealed that the mean number of eggs laid by a female were 70.8 ± 6.1 on soaked mustard seeds. The average preoviposition period, incubation period, nymphal period and total developmental period was found as 6.2 ± 0.11 days, 3.6 ± 0.09,16.2 ± 0.57 days and 18.6 ± 0.36 days, respectively. Two peaks of painted bug population were observed i.e. first in 49^th standard week (6.5 painted bug/meter row length) and 12^th standard week (9.7 painted bug/plant). B. hilaris population was found positively significantly correlated with maximum temperature (r=0.420), evaporation (r=0.455) and wind speed (r=0.422) while negatively significantly correlated with relative humidity (r=-0.424). Malathion 50EC @ 500ml/500 litre of water was found most effective (84.40% mean reduction after 10 days of spray). The highest incremental cost benefit ratio of 1:11.7 was obtained in malathion 50 EC @ 500ml/500 litre of water followed by endosulfan 4% dust @ 10 kg/ha (1:11.1) and endosulfan 35 EC @ 500ml/500 litre of water (1:11.0).