The production and productivity of bitter-gourd is severely damaged by melon fruit-fly. Since, its maggots damage the fruits internally; its chemical control is difficult. It is, therefore, imperative to explore alternatives and develop IPM strategy for the effective management of this pest. This book provides the readers with knowledge of various IPM strategies which can be used effectively for its management. The contents of this book consist of lab and field experiments which were carried out to evaluate different botanicals, food-baits, pheromones-baits-traps, oviposition-baits, insecticide-baited-foods/pheromones and cultural- control-tactics against melon fruit-fly in bitter- gourd. Highly effective of above mentioned tactics were integrated into 8 IPM-Models, which were evaluated at two localities. The results revealed that the descending order of the performance of tested IPM-Models was: IPM-Model-7 > IPM-Model-3 > IPM-Model-6 > IPM-Model-4 > IPM-Model-5 > IPM-Model- 2 > IPM-Model-1 > IPM-Model-8. In conclusion, IPM- Model-3, IPM-Model-4, IPM-Model-5, IPM-Model-6 and IPM-Model-7 can be exercised in the areas where there are hot spots of melon fruit flies.

The present research work was conducted in the Biological Control Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2009. The objective of this study was, to enhance the longevity and fecundity of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), through improving the artificial diet of its adults. The experiment comprised seven treatments; of which six composed of honey, water and yeast, in a ratio of 1:1:1 and one that of control. The honey used in five of these, was collected from different plant sources, whereas, that employed in the one meant for the inclusion of Vitamin-E, was the common honey. The control treatment, however, comprised the pre-existing standard diet (common honey + water + yeast in 1:1:1 ratio), already being used in the bio-control lab. The experiment was laid out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and each treatment was repeated thrice.