Control of Planococcus citri on Grapevine with Crypfolaemns montrozieri In India

摘要

Grape production is often adversely affected due to the mealybugs to the extent of damage being as much as 100% in extreme cases in India (Babu and Azam, 1983). The pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) was commonly found causing widespread damage to many grape growing areas in India (Mani and Thontadarya, 1987). But a recent survey conducted in Karnataka and Maharashtra revealed presence of citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) as a major pest of grapes (Mani and Kulkarni, 2007). It has also been reported to be a severe pest of grapes worldwide (Agran et al, 1990; Cabaleiro and Segura, 1997; Gonzalez, 2003). It is very difficult to get perfect control of the mealybugs with conventional insecticides due to their concealed habitat and waxy coating over their bodies. Often, the continuous usage of insecticides results in the outbreak of mealybugs (Manjunath, 1986). But the efficacy of natural enemies particularly the Australian ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant in controlling M. hirsutus on grapevine has been reported in peninsular India (Mani and Thontadarya, 1988). Not much work has been done on the biological control of citrus mealybug P. citri on grapevine in India and also elsewhere. The present paper reports the impact of release of C. montrouzieri in the suppression of P. citri in vineyards.