<i>Rastrococcus</i> spp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and their natural enemies in India as potential biocontrol agents for <i>R. invadens</i> Williams

Abstract

Abstract Rastrococcus invadens Williams, a pest of fruit and ornamental trees in West Africa, was introduced from the Oriental Region. In 1986, a search was initiated in India for natural enemies of Rastrococcus spp. with a view to selecting potential biocontrol agents for introduction into West Africa. The results of the survey, laboratory breeding of the hosts and their natural enemies and host-specificity of the natural enemies are reported. Based on host-acceptance tests, two encyrtids, Gyranusoidea tebygi Noyes and Anagyrus sp., have been sent to UK for further screening.