Experiments were c_onducted.in /PM laboratory and Research Command Areas (RCA)
of Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Lumle from 2004-2006 to generate
eco-friendly aphid management practices in cucumber production. Study on the year
round population dynamics of aphids in different agro-ecological zones, mass
multiplication of their biological control agent and their augmentative release against
aphids in controlled field condition were carried out as an important component of
biological pest management approach. The results revealed that the year round
population dynamics of cucumber mosaic virus (cmv) vectors (aphids) were traced out
at different agro-ecological research/outreach sites and peak pest activity period was
found to be November to March thereafter it started declining. It was possible to
multiply aphid biological control agent Chrysoperla carnea at controlled laboratory
condition in different artificial diet combinations. The effectiveness of laboratory
produced C. carnea against aphid was also assessed in controlled field condition and
the result showed that augmented release of this predator was found effective in
managing the population of aphids t~ansmitting cucumber mosaic virus, decreased the
intensity of virus infestation thereby 27.20% higher fruit yield was obtained as
compared to the controlled plot. Any symptoms of CMV disease were not observed in
Chrysoperla released plot, whereas in control plot, 7.5% plants showed CMV
symptoms.

Experiments were c_onducted.in /PM laboratory and Research Command Areas (RCA)
of Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Lumle from 2004-2006 to generate
eco-friendly aphid management practices in cucumber production. Study on the year
round population dynamics of aphids in different agro-ecological zones, mass
multiplication of their biological control agent and their augmentative release against
aphids in controlled field condition were carried out as an important component of
biological pest management approach. The results revealed that the year round
population dynamics of cucumber mosaic virus (cmv) vectors (aphids) were traced out
at different agro-ecological research/outreach sites and peak pest activity period was
found to be November to March thereafter it started declining. It was possible to
multiply aphid biological control agent Chrysoperla carnea at controlled laboratory
condition in different artificial diet combinations. The effectiveness of laboratory
produced C. carnea against aphid was also assessed in controlled field condition and
the result showed that augmented release of this predator was found effective in
managing the population of aphids t~ansmitting cucumber mosaic virus, decreased the
intensity of virus infestation thereby 27.20% higher fruit yield was obtained as
compared to the controlled plot. Any symptoms of CMV disease were not observed in
Chrysoperla released plot, whereas in control plot, 7.5% plants showed CMV
symptoms.