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

En – AGROVOC descriptors

CHILOCORUS; COCCOIDEA; MANGIFERA INDICA; PREDATORY INSECTS; MASS REARING; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS

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