The biological control of brown soft scale Coccus hesperidum L. (Homoptera: Coccidae) in interior plantscapes
Date
1996
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Texas A&M University
Abstract
Interior plantscape pests consist predominantly of a wide variety of species of Homoptera. Soft scale insects appear to account for one quarter to one third of all significant pest problems associated with interior plantscape environments. Brown soft scale, Coccus hesperidum L., is arguably the most common soft scale pest in these locations. The objective of this research project was to assess the potential for reducing C. hesperidum to non-pest status in interior plantscapes using the techniques of classical biological control. Improved methods for rearing C. hesperidum in the laboratory were developed using All Season" squash and Basalla alba, the Malabar spinach. More than a dozen species of encyrfid and aphelinid parasite species were reared from samples taken from naturally occurring California and Texas populations of C. hesperidum. Emerging parasites were screened for successful reproduction on Texas populations of C. hesperidum, and cultures of the most promising species were initiated. Metaphycus alberti (Howard) was chosen for further experimentation because it was found in low density populations in California, its eggs were not encapsulated by the Texas populations of C. hesperidum, it developed reliably, it was gregarious, it had a simple lifecycle, it had a short developmental time, and it was not present in Texas. Controlled comparison field trials using closed, open, and no sleeve treatments were conducted to measure the effect of release of M. alberti on the population dynamics of C.
Description
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Includes bibliographical references: 79-97.
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
Includes bibliographical references: 79-97.
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
Keywords
entomology., Major entomology.