Further studies on the establishment of Aphytis sp. and Cybocephalus binotatus in mango orchards for the control of mango scale.
Daneel M. S., Dreyer S.
Author Affiliation: Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 17 : 144-146
Abstract : The mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis, is a serious pest on mango and causes damage especially with late cultivars. The scale causes lesions on the fruit which are unacceptable for export purposes. In most of the mango producing countries the mango scale is limited due to effective biological control. Several Aphytis spp. were imported and one of these species was bred successfully and released. A predatory beetle, Cybocephalus binotatus, was also imported together with the Aphytis sp. and was bred in the insectarium. Aphytis sp. was first released in May 1995 with further releases in 1996-97, while C. binotatus was first released in February 1996, with further releases in 1996-97. Both species were released in Malelane, Nelspruit, Friedenheim, Hoedspruit, Hazyview and Messina. Aphytis sp. was successfully recovered in every locality in which it was released and dispersed to the surrounding orchards in Malelane and Hoedspruit. C. binotatus was also recovered successfully and dispersed to neighbouring orchards in several localities. Further releases of both Aphytis sp. and C. binotatus are planned. Dispersion patterns will be studied to determine the optimum numbers to be released for successful establishment and control.