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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #153698
Title: Augmentation of parasitoids for biological control of citrus blackfly in southern Texas

Author
item Meagher, Robert - Rob
item FRENCH, J - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2004
Publication Date: 6/1/2004
Citation: Meagher Jr, R.L., French, J.V. 2004. Augmentation of parasitoids for biological control of citrus blackfly in southern Texas. Florida Entomologist. 87(2):186-193.

Interpretive Summary: The citrus blackfly, an invasive pest in Texas and Florida since the 1970s, causes injury to grapefruit and orange trees by removing nutrients and by promoting the growth of a sooty mold fungus that inhibits photosynthesis. Two wasp species parasitize citrus blackfly and when these wasps are established in groves, can reduce populations without the aid of insecticide applications. However, certain weather events such as severe freezes and environmental conditions such as pesticide applications for other pests can cause an imbalance in the populations of citrus blackfly and parasites. Scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida and colleagues at Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center developed a technique to increase the numbers of natural enemies following an environmental change. Parasites collected from residential citrus trees and from laboratory rearing were released in Texas after a severe freeze. Sampling indicated that using the release strategy successfully re-established parasites in commercial groves, and rapidly reduced citrus blackfly populations. The quick response of the augmented natural enemies makes periodic reintroductions feasible and cost-effective.

Technical Abstract: Two parasitoid species, Amitus hesperidum Silvestri and Encarsia opulenta (Silvestri), were released in an augmentative program to control citrus blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, in the citrus growing areas of southern Texas. Releases were made using laboratory-reared and field insectary parasitoids. Six citrus groves were closely monitored, and evaluations made during and after release suggested that both parasitoid species became reestablished and exerted control over pest populations. Dissection of citrus blackfly immatures also suggested that E. opulenta increased in larger numbers than A. hesperidum, and that a stable host-natural enemy relationship became established.