Mass production technique for Chilocorus nigrita F., a biocontrol agent against scale insect

Issue Date

10-2013

Abstract

Chilocorus nigrita is found worldwide and known to be a predator of scale insect species like citrus scale in Africa and coconut scale Aspidiotus destructor in the Pacific Islands. C. Nigrita was first observed in Digos, Davao del Sur as a mango scale predator and recently evaluated and found as effective predator for Lanzones mussel scale insect at BPI-NDCRDC, and is now mass-reared for distribution as scale biological control agent. The coconut scale, Aspidiotus destructor, is preferably utilized as the prey for C. nigrita and it can be mass produced more sufficiently under laboratory conditions. The host material for the coconut scale (Aspidiotus destructor) is mature squash fruit. This is initially done by collecting coconut leaves infested with A. destructor, cutting the leaves into small pieces and placing on top of the squash fruit until fully covered with scales to serve as mother host material. A. destructor is introduced to other host materials by placing new clean squash fruits on top and on both sides of the mother host material and letting crawlers move or transfer to them. Enclose the host materials in plastic boxes or cages for C. nigrita introduction for feeding and multiplication (egg deposition and larval feeding up to adult stage).

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

27

Issue

2

Page

208

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ASPIDIOTUS, CHILOCORUS; PREDATOR INSECTS; MASS REARING; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL; INSECT CONTROL, PHILIPPINES

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