Parasitic potential and thermal regimes of Goniozus nephantidis

The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera L is one of the traditional crops known as "Kalpavriksha" as well as "Tree of Life" provides food, shelter, fuel, medicine and employment to billions of people across the world.Coconut black headed caterpillar Opisina arenosella Walker is important pest of coconut. Goniozus nephantidis Muesebeck is effective larval parasitoid used wordwide for the control of this pest. It is well known biological agent. Mass multiplication of this parasitoid in laboratory is possible on artificial host. These studies throw light on parasitic potential, olfactory conditioning effect and thermal regimes of Goniozus nephantidis Muesebeck under laboratory condition. This information is helpful for coconut growers, students as well as researchers.