Activity enhancement ofZygogramma bicolorata, a biocontrol agent ofParthenium hysterophorus, by temperature regulated diapause aversion

Diapause is a unique strategy of dormancy in insects to avoid unfavourable conditions. The exotic beetle Zygogramma bicolorata, is an effective biological control agent of Parthenium hysterophorus in India, Adults diapause in soil during December to May. As a result, there is delay in its effectiveness on the plant that reaches to flowering and seed production by the time the beetle is able to build up its population after emerging from diapause. Therefore, a study was conducted to explore possibilities of diapause aversion by temperature regulation. Results indicated that exposure of newly emerged adults to heat treatment of 35°C and to low temperature of 10°C could reduce diapause in Z. bicolorata. The low temperature can also be used as a medium for the storage of the mass reared beetles for a long time without having negative effect on their longevity and fecundity.