The effect of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant) on the Hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) on Hibiscus plants in Trinidad
1997
McComie, Lilory D. | Gosine, Sumatee | Siew, Paramdath
The Hibiscus mealybug (HMB) Maconellicoccus hirsutus was first recorded in Trinidad in June 1995. Chemical and cultural control used for short term containment was ineffective and within one year the pest was found in all counties, attacking over 100 species of plants including vegetables, ornamentals, trees, shrubs and weeds. Many plants, particularly members of the family Malvaceae succumbed to attack by the mealybug. An integrated pest management strategy was proposed for long term management of the pest, with classical biological control as the main component. One of the candidates, the ladybird beetle predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (CM) was introduced to Trinidad from India in February 1996. Preliminary results on the effect of CM on HMB populations in field studies on ornamental Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are reported here. The results show that CM has been effective in progressively reducing HMB populations. The results will inform and guide future research and decision-making regarding the use of CM as a predator for controlling M. hirsutus.
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