WORLD REVIEW OF THE NATURAL ENEMIES AND DISEASES OF SPODOPTERA-LITURA (F) (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE)

Published information was used to compile a summary of natural enemies (parasitoids, predators and diseases) reported attacking Spodoptera litura (F) under field conditions. Species (71) of insect parasitoids in seven families of Hymenoptera and two families of Diptera were listed as parasitoids of different stages of S. litura. Predatory insects (36) belonging to 14 families and 12 species of spiders from six families have been reported to feed on this species. Four protozoan, four fungal, seven bacterial, four each of viral and nematode species were also reported to be the pathogens of this species. Published information suggested that periodic releases of large number of egg parasites could help in suppressing populations of this pest. There is a considerable scope for increased attention to the role of natural enemies as component of integrated pest management programmes of S. litura.