Using a kairomone-based attracting system to enhance biological control of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) by Anagyrus sp. near pseudococci (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Sicilian vineyards

Abstract

-The "potato trap" technique was applied for the first time in Italian (Sicily) vineyards in an attempt to assess: a) the impact of the kairomonal activity of the vine mealybug sex pheromone (S)-(+)-lavandulyl senecioate (LS) on the parasitism of mealybugs by the encyrtid Anagyrus sp. near pseudococci, b) the influence of two commonly used insecticides on the parasitization activity of A. sp. near pseudococci towards mealybugs, and c) the efficiency of the release of A. sp. near pseudococci in enhancing parasitism rates of mealybugs. The number of captured A. sp. near pseudococci females in LS baited traps was significantly higher than that in unbaited traps. The minimal number of days for the first parasitoid emergence in LS baited traps was almost 3 days earlier, compared to unbaited control, suggesting a faster host detection by the encyrtid when LS is applied. These findings resulted in a significant increase in parasitism of mealybugs by A. sp. near pseudococci in LS baited traps relative to unbaited traps suggesting that the LS is used by the encyrtid as kairomone to ensure greater potential for host searching activity. Insecticide treatments significantly affected parasitization activity of A. sp. near pseudococci on mealybugs when compared to an untreated control with parasitoid release. The buprofezin, chlorpyriphos-methyl and untreated control with no parasitoid release treatments had statistically similar numbers of emerged parasitoids from exposed mealybugs. The obtained results provide evidence that, in the absence of conventional insecticides applications, the use of the LS could be a promising tool to improve and strengthen biological control of mealybugs by A. sp. near pseudococci within Sicilian vineyard conditions. Riassunto - Utilizzo di un sistema attrattivo a base di cairomone per incrementare il controllo biologico di Pseudococcini (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) da parte di Anagyrus sp. near pseudococci (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in vigneti sicilianiGli autori riportano i risultati di una sperimentazione condotta in un vigneto siciliano che ha previsto l'impiego di una tecnica di nuova concezione denominata "potato trap" e mirata a valutare: a) l'impatto dell'attività cairomonica del feromone sessuale di sintesi della cocciniglia farinosa della vite Planococcus ficus ((S)-(+)-lavandulyl senecioate) nei confronti dell'endoparassitoide A. sp. near pseudococci, b) l'influenza

Vine and citrus mealybug pest control based on synthetic chemicals. A review

“…In southern Italian (Sicily) vineyards, treatments with chlorpyrifos-methyl significantly affected 2013The classification of pesticide modes of action is presented according to the standards of the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC 2016) the parasitization potential of Anagyrus sp. near pseudococci (Girault) (Mansour et al 2010b), one of the most common parasitoids of the vine mealybug in the Mediterranean basin (Franco et al 2009;Mansour et al 2017a;Suma et al 2012a, b). Twenty-four hours after tarsal contact, chlorpyrifos-methyl was shown to be harmful (toxicity category 4 of the International Organization for Biological Control), causing 100% mortality to adult A. sp.…”

“…Buprofezin applied at 1 L ha −1 is one of the most commonly used insecticides for controlling the vine mealybug in vineyards in Italy (Mansour et al 2010b) similarly to North American (California and Mexico) vineyards, where a foliar application in late spring or early summer is incorporated in most insecticide programs (Daane et al 2012). In California vineyards, buprofezin-based treatments have been shown to be the most effective in reducing cluster damage caused by P. ficus infestations (Daane et al 2006).…”

“…Buprofezin-based insecticide treatments were found to significantly affect the parasitization performance of the encyrtid parasitoid A. sp. near pseudococci on host mealybugs in vineyards in southern Italy (Mansour et al 2010b). Side effects of buprofezin on immature stages of the generalist coccinellid Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) and the mite-feeding coccinellid Stethorus punctum picipes Casey, two predatory insects present in vineyards in the state of Washington, were examined in laboratory bioassays.…”

“…In this regard, semiochemicals can be used in different strategies and are currently important for growers and pest management specialists. Using semiochemicals for controlling vine and citrus mealybugs includes pheromone-based monitoring and/or mating disruption options (semiochemical-based intraspecific communication) (Cocco et al 2014a;Daane et al 2006;Mansour et al 2017a;Walton et al 2004Walton et al , 2006, and the use of a kairomone-mediated system to enhance the mealybug's parasitoid performance (semiochemical-based interspecific communication) in vineyards or citrus orchards (Franco et al 2008(Franco et al , 2011Mansour et al 2010b).…”

Key scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of high economic importance in a Mediterranean area: host plants, bio-ecological characteristics, natural enemies and pest management strategies - a review

“…Interestingly, the performance of this parasitoid can be enhanced by applying a kairomone-based attracting system in vineyards. Indeed, Mansour et al (2010b) showed that the application of VM sex pheromone as kairomone increased parasitism rates of mealybugs by anagyrus sp. near pseudococci within Sicilian vineyards.…”