Studies on the compatibility of neem oil with predator, Chrysoperla carnea for the management of aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) in canola (Brassica napus L.)

The present studies were conducted to find out the compatibility of neem oil with the predator,Chrysoperla carnea for the management of aphids in canola. Among the different treatments tested, module consisting of neem oil 2% + C. carnea proved very effective in reducing the aphid population with an average of 18.6/plant. Neem oil 1% and C. carnea alone also produced significant results compared to untreated check where mean per plant population of aphid was 39.3 and 41.3, respectively. Maximum seed yield (3295.1 kg/ha) was recorded from neem oil 2% + C. carnea followed by neem oil 1% + C. carnea (3219.1 kg/ha) and neem oil 2% (2809.4 kg/ha), respectively. Over all mean population of C. carnea was highest (0.48/plant) in plots treated with predators alone. The same was second most abundant (0.40/plant) in plots treated with neem oil 1% + C. carnea followed by plots treated with neem oil 2% + C. carnea (0.36/plant). The study manifested neem oil concentrations relatively safe to beneficial insects and suitable for use in integrated pest management of aphids in canola.   Key words: Neem, Chrysoperla carnea, Aphids, canola, botanical pesticides, infestation.