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 l itura (F) under field conditions. Species (71) of insect parasitoids i n seven families of Hymenoptera and two families of Diptera were liste d as parasitoids of different stages of S. litura. Predatory insects ( 36) belonging to 14 families and 12 species of spiders from six famili es have been reported to feed on this species. Four protozoan, four fu ngal, seven bacterial, four each of viral and nematode species were al so reported to be the pathogens of this species. Published information suggested that periodic releases of large number of egg parasites cou ld help in suppressing populations of this pest. There is a considerab le scope for increased attention to the role of natural enemies as com ponent of integrated pest management programmes of S. litura.