Studies on Predatory Insects Attacking <em>Parlatoria ziziphi</em> (Lucas) (Hemiptera : Diaspididae) on Navel Orange Trees

Author : Sanaa, A. M. Abd El-Mageed; Wafaa, M.M. El-Baradey and Aida H. M. Mokhtar

This study was carried out two years 2021-2022 in neglected citrus orchard located at Motubas, Kafer El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. Ten predators were found associated with citrus trees infested with P. ziziphi population. Three predators named Chilocorus bipustulatus L., Cybocephalus flavipes Reitter and Scymnus syriacus Mars. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were recorded all over two years of study by relatively high number. Seven predators were recorded rarely in few numbers on the infested orange trees namely Exochomus flavipes Thunb., Rodalia cardinalis Muls, Coccinella undecimpunctata L., Coccinella septempunctata L, Pharoscymnus various Kirsch., (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Orius laevigatus Fieb. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Chrysoperla carna Steph. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). The value of total mortality in first year is higher than second year. The insect predators' activities were recorded highest value in spring season in both years of study. Also, the percentage of predation rate were recorded the highest on spring season in both years of study. C. bipustulatus population showed the highest number of insect predators all over two years of study. The predator C. flavipes and S. syriacus had recorded three peaks in two years of study. Evaluation of searching rate for three predator's C. bipustulatus, C. flavipes and S. syricus under the laboratory and field conditions at different densities. The predator C. bipustulatus had highest searching rate. This study highlighting the future importance of the predator C. bipustulatus as a biocontrol agent against this pest by multiply it in the laboratory and release it in the field to combat this pest.

Keywords : Parlatoria ziziphi, Chilocorus bipustulatus L., Cybocephalus flavipes, Reitter and Scymnus syriacus Mars., Citrus trees.,

Received:3/14/2023 12:00:00 AM; Accepted: 4/20/2023 12:00:00 AM