Biological Control of Citrus Mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso.) using Coccinellid Predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls.

Abstract

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.

Effects of three mealybug species on the development, survivorship and reproduction of the predatory lady beetleCryptolaemus montrouzieriMulsant

“…Natural predators are now used as important biological agents to manage mealybug pests in many countries (e.g. Afifi, EI-Arnaouty, Attia, & Alla, 2010), with C. montrouzieri being considered as one of the more effective natural enemies in the control of mealybugs in China (Li, 1993;Pang & Li, 1979;Tang et al, 1995). In the study by Naser et al (2011), C. montrouzieri larval stages reared on Phenacoccus madeirensis (521.5 mg) were 2.5 times higher than those reared on P. citri (194.5 mg).…”

Behavioral Analysis ofCryptolaemus montrouzieriMulsant while Preying on the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug under Field Conditions

“…El tiempo total que dura el proceso de depredación cuando C. montrouzieri encuentra una colonia de pocos individuos de CRH es de 106 min. Consideramos que la capacidad depredadora de C. montrouzieri es alta aún con poblaciones bajas de la plaga lo que concuerda con un análisis que demostró una capacidad depredadora del 100% de C. montrouzieri en campo en el control de poblaciones menores a 20 ninfas de Planococcus citri (Afifi et al 2010).…”

“…A pesar del amplio uso de C. montrouzieri como una herramienta de control biológico para CRH, existe poca o nula información relacionada con su comportamiento de depredación. Hasta la fecha se sabe que ataca a la CRH durante la etapa larvaria y adulta y ha mostrado ser altamente efectivo cuando las poblaciones son mayores a 20 individuos por brote ((Rosas-García et al 2009, Afifi et al 2010. Durante el periodo larvario, C. montrouzieri consume de 1,800 a 1,900 huevecillos, de 250 a 268 ninfas y de 25 a 30 hembras adultas de CRH, mientras que en la etapa adulta pueden consumir de 3,700 a 4,000 huevecillos, de 750 a 800 ninfas y de 180 a 190 hembras adultas (Valencia-Luna et al 2007).…”

Short‐term heat stress results in diminution of bacterial symbionts but has little effect on life history in adult female citrus mealybugs

“…Chemical application is the most common control strategy of mealybugs (Franco et al., ); however, they are difficult to eliminate due to their cryptic behaviour and waxy secretions which shield them from pesticides. Biological control strategies have been explored, including parasitoids, predators, nematodes, and fungi, with mixed results (Odindo, ; Stuart et al., ; Davies et al., ; Ceballo & Walter, ; Afifi et al., ; Demirci et al., ; van Niekerk & Malan, ). More effective and reliable strategies are needed.…”