Influence of Insecticide Application on Pollinators and Predatory Arthropods in Watermelon Agroecosystem
Archana, B. R. *
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104, India.
Kishor Pujar
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560065, India.
Chethan, T.
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560065, India.
Kavya, M. Hiremath
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580005, India.
Godavari
Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Arpitha K.C.
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560065, India.
Manjula
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560065, India.
Harish Varma, M.
Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560065, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study, conducted from January to April 2021 in Kandavara village, Karnataka, examined the effects of various insecticides on honeybees, spiders, and coccinellids in watermelon crops. Using a randomized complete block design, watermelon plants were treated with insecticides when pest populations reached economic thresholds. Honeybee foraging activity and populations of spiders and coccinellids were monitored before treatment and at 3,7 and 10 days post-application. Results showed that untreated control plots consistently had the highest activity of all beneficial insects. Among the insecticides tested, Spinosad 45 SC was the least harmful, with relatively higher levels of honeybee and natural enemy activity. In contrast, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL and Acephate 75 SP were the most detrimental, resulting in significantly lower activity levels for honeybees, spiders, and coccinellids. These findings highlight the importance of selecting insecticides that minimize harm to beneficial insects, emphasizing the need for integrated pest management practices that balance effective pest control with the preservation of essential ecosystem services.
Keywords: Coccinellids, foraging, honeybees, pest management and spiders