Impact of climate on the biological control of citrus mealy bug (Planococcus citri (Risso)) by the parasitoid Coccidoxenoides perminutus Girault as predicted by the climate-matching program CLIMEX
2010
Ceballo, F.A., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines). National Crop Protection Center | Walter, G.H., University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 (Australia). Biological Sciences | Rochester, W., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Cleveland (Australia). Div. of Marine and Atmospheric Research
The climate-matching program CLIMEX was used to assess the influence of climatic conditions in Southeastern Queensland, Australia on the effectiveness of the parasitoid, Coccidoxenoides perminutus Girault, against the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso). Climate was compared across areas where the parasitoid has shown successes and failures in controlling mealybug populations. If climatic conditions impact significantly on C. perminutus biocontrol performance, the CLIMEX output of Ecoclimatic Index (EI) would indicate that the localities worldwide where the species is relatively successful have suitable climatic conditions (EI greater 40). Southeastern Queensland data indicated C. perminutus population is relatively low in citrus mealybug samples from two citrus-producing localities, Mundubbera and Nambour. If climatic conditions impact significantly on C. perminutus survival, the model should also predict that the climates, as expressed by the climate Match Index (MI), of Southeastern Queensland are not particularly suitable for C. perminutus (MI less 40). CLIMEX predicted Mundubbera and Nambour to be favorable for the population growth and persistence of C. perminutus. Also, the climates of these two Australian localities matched closely with those of localities worldwide where C. perminutus does impose some degree of biocontrol. Although the model requires adjustment, it does establish that the citrus-producting areas of Southeastern Queensland are suitable for the persistance of C. perminutus. Presumably, other factors in combination with climate reduce the efficacy of the species as a control agent against citrus mealybug.
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