Use of exotic Coccinellids for the management of Hibiscus Mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) in the Caribbean Region
1998
Gautam, R.D. (Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), UWI Campus, St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago))
Provides an overview of the introduction of 600 adults of each of the following coccinellid predators, commonly known as ladybirds, into Trinidad from India: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, Scymnus coccivora Aiyar and Nephus regularis Sicard. Their attributes, acclimatization, quarantine handling and shipment in light of the FAO code of conduct for the import and release of bioagents is discussed. Also examines the requirements for staff and infrastructure facilities in establishing an ideal multiplication centre which would provide a supply of nucleus culture, basic research studies and inoculative releases. The role of Field Multiplication Centres for inundative releases is emphasized and several parameters pertaining to the selection of sites for inoculative releases, recovery of ladybirds and training of staff have been addressed. Successful releases of C. montourzieri and S. coccivora made in the selected areas of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, Nevis and Grenada are discussed. Public awareness on the use of coccinellids against the Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) in the Caribbean region, through newspapers, magazines, radio discussions, television news and interviews, and updating the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) database has been discussed. Finally, indicates strategies to be prioritized for the successful biocontrol of the Hibiscus Mealybug using ladybirds.
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