Biological control of the striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Ckll,) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on the Mulberry Tree, Morus alba using the coccinellid Predator, Scyriacus syriacus Mars [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Althought Scymnus syriacus Mars. is a very common predator in Egypt, few studies on its rearing and releasing it as a biocontrol agent are available. The present work dealt with the predator's release for controlling the striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Ckll). attacking Moms alba at Giza region, Egypt during 2004/2J05 years. Obtained results indicated that percentage of reduction among the nymphs and adults of F. virgata, 30 days after releasing of the predator reached 94.08 and 68.99 %, respectively and 99.76 % after 100 days for nymphs and 92.27 % for adults. Results arc of significant value for pest control strategies in reducing populations of the Pscudococcid mealybugs such as; F. virgata, Planococcus ficus, Planococcus cirri and Machonellicoccus hirsutus.

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