Natural Parasitisation by the Exotic Parasitoid, <I>Leptomastix dactylopii</I> Howard on <I>Planococcus citri</I> (Risso) Infesting Custard Apple

M. Mani; A. Krishnamoorthy; P. N. Gangavisalakshy

doi:10.18311/jbc/2007/3905

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Authors

M. Mani
Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR), Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore 56089, Karnataka ,IN
A. Krishnamoorthy
Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR), Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore 56089, Karnataka ,IN
P. N. Gangavisalakshy
Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR), Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore 56089, Karnataka ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/2007/3905

Keywords:

Custard Apple, Leptomastix dactylopii, Planococcus citri.

Abstract

The citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) was found in large numbers infesting custard apple at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research Farm, Bangalore during August-October 2004. Sampling of infested custard apple fruits during this period revealed the presence of Leptomastix dactylopii Howard. Adult parasitoids were recovered after five years of its release in 1983 and again in 2004 in the present study indicating the permanent establishment. In general, the activity of parasitoids particularly on mealybugs on custard apple was very low. The natural parasitisation by L. dactylopii ranged from 0.41 to 2.72 percent but the presence of L. dactylopii indicated that there is some scope of exploiting L. dactylopii in the suppression of P. citri infesting custard apple.