The efficiency of the vedalia beetle, Rodalia Cardinalis(Mulsant) in suppressing the population of the Seychellarum Mealybug, Icerya Seychellarum (Westwood) on Washingetonia palms [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Larvae and adult of seychellarum mealybug, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood) (Homoptera : Margarodidae) became very important insect pest attacking different species of ornamental plants such as Washingetonia palms, Washingtonia filifera. The vedalia beetle, Rodalia cardinalis (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) playa good role in reducing the population density of Seychellarum mealybug. R. cardinalis was released (one time), at early June 2003 and repeated in 2004, at Giza Governorate at a rate of 20, 30 and 40 individuals/tree during the first season (2003), the percent reduction of 1. seychellarum increased gradually with elapse of time reaching the maximum in early September. The achieved reduction in Seychellarum population averaged 73, 87 and 97%, respectively. The same trend of percent reduction of I. seychellarum was achieved in the second season (2004). The following percent reduction, 74, 85 and 98% was induced at release rate of 20, 30 and 40 individuals of Vedalia beetle, respectively. From the above mentioned results, the vedalia beetle, Rodalia cardinalis (Mulsant) could be used successfully as an active component in the integrated program for controlling the seychellarum mealybug, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood) on the ornamental plants for minimizing the risk use of insecticides on the public health and the environment.

Summary in Arabic.