Introduction of the parasite Epidinocarsis lopezi for control of the cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti) in Zanzibar
1990
Suleiman, A.M.
After the first detection of cassava mealybug in Unguja January 1988, biological control was attempted by release of the exotic parasite Epidinorcarsis lopezi in September and November 1988. About one year following these releases, a survey covering all regions of Unguja was done in order to assess the activity of the introduced natural enemy. The survey sampled a total of 260 fields with an acreage of 112.8 and the average acreage per field was 0.4. Survey results indicate that of the 260 fields (112.8 acres), 109 (55.5 acres) showed Cassava mealybug damage symptoms. Also the natural enemy E. lopezi has been recovered in all surveyed sites. The Cassava mealybug infestation level in most of the release sites has been found to be low. This indicates that though improvement has been noticed, there is still a notable damage and yield loss due to Cassava mealybug especially in non-release sites. In 1989 Cassava mealybug was also reported in Pemba and this was followed by introduction of the parasite which later on has been found to have already established itself
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