Beetle predator Chilocorus nigrita can be mass-reared to control mango scale insect
Issue Date
10-2008
Abstract
A black beetle predator, Chilocorus nigrita, can be used as biological control agent against the mango scale insect, a major insect pest in Region XI (Southeastern part of Mindanao). This black beetle can be easily mass-reared in a simple screen cage under normal temperature and fed with coconut scale reared on mature squash fruit. The adult beetle predator and its larvae feed on scale insects and can be introduced on scale-infested mango trees. Result of the efficiency evaluation of the predator under laboratory conditions showed that all the adult coconut scale insects fully covering a 2.2-2.4 kg. squash fruit can be consumed by 100-150 adult beetles in one week. Under field conditions, data on date and frequency of field releases or predators on scale-infested mango trees conducted in a private farm in San Isidro in August, September and October, 2002 and the corresponding rainfall data for the period showed a decline of scale insect population.
Source or Periodical Title
Philippine Entomologist
ISSN
0048-3753
Volume
22
Issue
2
Page
211
Document Type
Article
Frequency
semi-annually
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Pableo, Fe B. and Simpao, Judith T., "Beetle predator Chilocorus nigrita can be mass-reared to control mango scale insect" (2008). Journal Article. 5479.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5479
En – AGROVOC descriptors
CHILOCORUS; COCCOIDEA; MANGIFERA INDICA; PREDATORY INSECTS; MASS REARING; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS