Studies On The Biology And Life Cycle Of Dysdercus Koenigii (Fabricius) On Abelmoschus Esculentus In Jammu Region (J&K)

Dysdercus koenigii (Fabricius), also known as red cotton bug, is one of the major pests of okra in India. It damages the crop plant by sucking the sap from leaves and the developing fruits. Both adult and nymphal instars reduce the fruit quality and crop yield. Its biology was studied during the year 2016. It undergoes hemimetabolous type of development. There are five instars that completed their development in 35.48±3.59 days. The total life cycle from egg laying to adult emergence completed in 36 to 47 days with an average of 41.48±4.38 days. The adult male lived longer with an average of 21.8±2.38 days than the female adult with an average of 16.5±1.11 days.