Integrated control of midge pests.
Grover P.
Author Affiliation: Dep. Zool., Univ. Allahabad, India.
Cecidologia Internationale 7 : 1-28
Abstract : The control of cecidomyiid pests of mango was studied in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1973-75. In a survey of the parasitoids of the pests, Platygaster sp., the pteromalid Systasis dasyneurae, Eupelmus sp., the eulophid Tetrastichus sp. and 2 new genera were found to be associated with Erosomyia indica [E. mangiferae], while Systasis sp., Eupelmus sp. and Tetrastichus sp. were associated with Dasineura amaramanjarae. Tetrastichus sp. was quite common and it is suggested that it may be a good biological control agent of these cecidomyiids. An external parasitoid, the pteromalid Pirene sp., was found attacking Procystiphora mangiferae and P. indica. Predators included the formicids Formica rufa, Oecophylla sp. and Camponotus sp. In 1975 some new predators (larvae of a coccinellid species and a chrysopid species) were introduced with some success. Climatic factors such as rainfall, sunshine, temperature and humidity were also found to affect cecidomyiid populations in the field. In tests with attractants, coriander oil successfully attracted Erosomyia, and a mixture of glycine, sodium hydroxide, ammonium carbonate and strong ammonia solution was a successful attractant for D. amaramanjarae. Bordeaux mixture was successful as a repellent. Dieldrin was more effective than aldrin in controlling larvae in the soil. An increase in concentration of dieldrin and aldrin resulted in a reduction in emergence of E. mangiferae and D. amaramanjarae. Of various systemic insecticides tested, Dimecron [phosphamidon], Anthio [formothion] and Metasystox [demeton-S-methyl] were equally effective. A mixture of 0.03% phosphamidon and 0.03% diazinon were very effective against these pests in field trials.