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CRYPTOLAEMUS MONTROUZIERI
VERSUS PLANOCOCCUS CITRI ……
Cryptolaemus
montrouzieri, of Australian stock, is a predator of cochineals
and is worldwide used in the integrated biocontrol of citrus,
vegetable and ornamental crops.
Morphology:
The insect is about 3-4 mm long.
The adult is black except for the distal part of wings and
protothorax which are brown.
The body of grubs is covered by wax and produce wax rays which
make them similar to Planococcus Citri.
The female lays eggs, up to hundreds, in the colonies of Planococcus
Citri.
Older grubs are able to mimic their preys thanks to a whitish
woolly aspect.
Biological
cycle:
Sicilian environment allows 5-6 generations of Cryptolaemus
montrouzieri; the insect winters as an adult and starts
again its activity when the temperature reaches 20 °C.
BIOLOGICAL
CONTROL OF PLANOCOCCUS CITRI
Cryptolaemus
montrouzieri is generally used as a natural enemy when
associated with Leptomastix dactylopii.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is used (20/30 individuals/
contaminated plant) to control the most virulent grounds in
those cases where a failed removal of ants could compromise
final results.
Allocation requires much care: insects are to be released
close to the most contaminated fruits.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is handled with 100/individuals
plastic boxes.
During delivery insects are to be kept at a temperature of
about 13°C with the aid of polystyrene disposable packs
cooled by dry ice.
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