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Biological control of citrus mealybug,Planococcus citri with an introduced parasite,Leptomastix dactylopii in India

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Abstract

Planococcus citri (Risso) is one of the major pests of citrus orchards in India. For the control ofP. citri, an encyrtid parasite,Leptomastix dactylopii How. was introduced from West Indies in 1983. The parasite was mass bred and inoculative releases were made in 2 selected citrus orchards where infestation of mealybug on fruits (sweet orange, seedless lime and acid lime) ranged from 38 to 65 per cent. Establishment of the parasite in the 2 release orchards resulted in complete control of the mealybug within 3 to 4 months. No insecticidal sprays were required subsequently for the control ofP. citri in the following seasons.

Résumé

Planococcus citri (Risso) est un des principaux ravageurs des vergers de citrus indiens. Pour lutter contreP. citri, un parasite Encyrtidae,Leptomastix dactylopii How. a été introduit de la région des Caraïbes en 1983. Le parasite a été multiplié et des lâchers inoculatifs ont été réalisés dans 2 vergers de citrus choisis où les infestations sur fruits (oranges douces, limes sans pépins, limes acides) s'échelonnaient de 38 à 65 p. 100. Il résulta de l'établissement du parasite dans les 2 vergers de lâchers, le contrôle complet de la Pseudococcine en l'espace de 3 à 4 mois. En conséquence, nul traitement insecticide ne fut nécessaire au cours des saisons suivantes pour lutter contreP. citri.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biological Control Laboratory Division of Entomology & Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake, 560089, Bangalore, India

    A. Krishnamoorthy & S. P. Singh

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  1. A. Krishnamoorthy
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  2. S. P. Singh
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Contribution No. 152/85 of the IIHR, Bangalore — 560089.

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Krishnamoorthy, A., Singh, S.P. Biological control of citrus mealybug,Planococcus citri with an introduced parasite,Leptomastix dactylopii in India. Entomophaga 32, 143–148 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02373124

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02373124

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