Pakistan Entomologist REARING OF COCCINELLA SEPTEMPUNCTATA L. (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE) ON NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL DIETS

Different types of pests are found in nature affecting life and yield of natural and cultivated crops of agro-forestry. Researchers are trying to develop and apply different techniques to control and reduce loss of these pests on agriculture, forest and garden products. Chemical control method (CCM) is frequently applied as it is easy and prompt way to directly kill or repel the pests from crops and fruit tree (Katsarou et al., 2005). But it is reported in many experiments that CCM has not only hazardous effects on human life by increasing pollution but also it has indirect impact by disturbing ecosystems. For example, in the developing world, over 250,000 people die each year from suicide and deliberate self-harm using insecticides and other pesticides (Gunnell et al., 2007). The effects of chronic exposure to residual chemical pesticides, however, remain controversial (Pimentel, 2005). There are also possible links between chronic pesticide exposure and congenital defects (Eriksson, 1997), preterm birth (Longnecker et al., 2001), Parkinson's disease (Semchuk et al., 1992; Gorell et al., 1998; Betarbet et al., 2000; Priyadarshi et al., 2000) and neuropsychological dysfunctions. Adverse environmental effects are also of concern. Due to the indiscriminate actions of some agrochemical insecticides, beneficial insects, birds, aquatic invertebrates and fish can also succumb to the toxic effects of these agents (Pain et al., 2004). The use of agrochemicals with so few targets has promoted the evolution of resistance to a number of insecticide families (Feyereisen, 1995; Brogdon and McAllister, 1998). These problems indicate the need to identify new and safe insecticidal lead compounds, validate novel insecticidal targets and develop alternate methods of effective insect control. Recently, it is reported that biological control method (BCM) is better technique to control the pest of different types (Habeck et al., 1990). Biological control is a bio effectormethod of controlling pests (including insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases) using other living organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivores, or other natural mechanisms, but typically also involves an active human management role. It can be an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Natural enemies of insect pests, also known as biological control agents, include predators, parasitoids and pathogens. ABSTRACT ARTICLE INFORMATION