The arthropod predatory fauna occurring on cashew panicles predominantly are six species of spiders (Oxyopessp., Plexippus sp., Camaricussp., Strigoplus sp., Angaeus sp., and one unidentified species) and one species of mirid bug (Campylomma sp.). The other groups encountered are ants, lygaeid and reduviid bugs. These predators appear to be general predators and are not key predators of tea mosquito bug. At present, three rounds of insecticidal sprays are recommended for management of above pest with monocrotophos (0.05 percent) and carbaryl (0.1 percent). The first round of spray with monocrotophos during flushing and second and third rounds with carbaryl during flowering and fruiting were given in the cropping season of 2000-01 at three locations in a large plot (>2ha.) The total population of Predatory fauna occurring on tenth day after third round of spray was recorded on 12 trees per location and 52panicles per tree by tapping method. The results indicated that out of three insecticides treated locatioins; the population of spiders recorded at two locations was on par with untreated control. Similarly, the population of Campylomma sp. and total predators at one insecticide treated locatin was on par with untreated control. As the recommenddspray schedule has shown least residual action and least depression in the population of general arthropod predatory fauna occurring on cashew, it may be safe against these predators.
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