Marigold as trap crops!

-

Despite being free from most pest attacks, marigolds are occasionally bothered by some insects. Weevils suck the sap from young leaves and shoots, causing discoloration and damage to the plant. However, the incidence of weevils on marigold may suggest its utilization as trap crop against weevil-attack as well.


weevil resting on marigold

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kissing bugs || Cotton pests!

-
Image
Kissing bugs! You can find these pretty creatures across the campus these days.  MATING SEASON GOING ON! An interesting fact is that these harmless looking bugs are a serious pest of the cotton crop, and can devastate the entire crop under heavy infestation. Farmer's enemy! But good for us, there are no cotton plantations around the campus, so these red cotton bugs can freely go around without causing any damage. And of course, it's always fun to just sit and watch them! Mating pair of red cotton bug 
Read more

Ant mimic spiders!

-
Image
Found this little guy roaming around on one of my pots and noticed the ant's got eight legs. Wait what?? Aah, of course, it's an ant mimic spider, the excellent example of Batesian mimicry where the spider mimics ant and hides in their colony for protection as it doesn't have a very strong defence itself. Interesting how they have evolved over time without letting the ants realize this. Ant mimic spider
Read more

LONG-LEGGED FLIES! BENEFICIAL OR HARMFUL?

-
Image
     Unlike most flies with poor reputation, long-legged flies are actually beneficial insects. Both immature and adult stages feed on soft bodied insects like aphids, whiteflies, etc and serve as an excellent biocontrol agents and surely farmer's true friend. Also, they don't bite and are harmless to humans. The single pair of wings (as signified by the name Diptera) are mostly transparent, but sometimes may show smoky patterns to attract the mate.  These tiny, metallic flies are both beautiful and beneficial. So, the next time you are out in your garden, give yourself sometime to observe these little creatures and be thankful to them for adding up value to the surroundings. Long-legged fly resting on a mango leaf    
Read more