The coccinellid predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was used to control the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on the croton ornamental shrubs, Codiaeum variegatum L. at Giza governorate, Egypt. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 50 adults/Croton shrub, were released once on October 27, 2008 in the open field. Obtained results indicated that percentages of reduction among the egg masses, nymphs and adults of P. citri, one month after releasing the predator reached to 41.5, 42.3 and 57.5%, respectively. Two months later, the corresponding rates were 80.6, 86.5 and 91.5%. Finally, after three months of releasing the predator, reduction rates reached to 100% for all stages of the pest. The associated natural enemies in the field were consisted of three predaceous insects and one parasitic species. The insect predators secured were the hemerobiid predator, Sympherobius amicus Navas; the coccinellid predator, Scymnus syriacus (Mars.) and the chrysopid predator, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens). The parasitic species was the encyrtid, Coccidoxenoides peregrinus (Timberlake). The aforementioned natural enemies were found feeding on the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri infesting croton shrubs. In the second season, 2009 there is no mealybug, P. citri individuals were found on the croton shrubs.

Predators, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with nymphal and adult stages of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis infesting five ornamental host plants and six weeds were surveyed at Giza region, Egypt in 2015. Such study was not previously handled in Egypt. The survey revealed the presence of six predaceous species, two endoparasitoids and four hyperparasitoids. Most of the predators were recorded on the two host plants Lantana camara and Hibiscus rosasinensis. However, no predators were surveyed on the two infested host plants Corchorus olitorius and Amaranthus ascendens. Among the predators; the two species Hyperaspis vinciguerrae and Scymus syriacus were the most abundant. Two endoparasitoids; Acerophagus gutierreziae and Chartocerus dactylopii were served. The parasitoid, A. gutierreziae developed solitarily on the nymphs of its host and gregariously (2-5 individuals) on its adult stage; probably due to the host size while, C. dactylopii developed solitarily inside nymphs of its host.

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The journal of Toxicology and pest control is one of the series issued twice by the Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, and is devoted to publication of original papers related to the interaction between insects and their environment. The goal of the journal is to advance the scientific understanding of mechanisms of toxicity. Emphasis will be placed on toxic effects observed at relevant exposures, which have direct impact on safety evaluation and risk assessment. The journal therefore welcomes papers on biology ranging from molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and physiology to ecology and environment, also systematics, microbiology, toxicology, hydrobiology, radiobiology and biotechnology. www.eajbs.eg.net Provided for non-commercial research and education use. Not for reproduction, distribution or commercial use.

Field study was carried out on the predaceous mite, Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer and the phytophagous mite, Phyllotetranychus aegtpt|acas Saybd associated with the diaspidid, Fiorinia phoenicis Balachowsky infesting two varieties (Semany and Zaghtol) of date palm trees at Giza govemorate during the period from mid April 2012 to mid May 20l3.Population of F. phoenicls was noted all over the year being low from I't November. Its population was recorded on Semany arrd Zaglol variety averaging 67.0 and 76.3 individuals/sq. inch showing highly significant difference as Zaghlol was favor for the prey.Population of nymphs and adults of H. coccophagus, was noted in large numbers from mid April to 1 't August. Its means all over the period of study was 10.3 and I I .8 individuals/sq. inch on Semany arrd Zaghlol with significant difference between records of the two varieties showing Zaghlol to be favor for the predaceous mite associated with its prey, F. phoenicis. The highest population of nymhs ancl adults of P. aegyptiacus was recorded in mid December; no individuals were recorded during the period from July to mid November. Means of P. aegtptiacus nymphs and adults on Semany ard Zaghlol werc 2.7 and 5.1 individuals I sq. inch showing Zaghlol to be favored for the phytophagus mite.