Parasitoids for Biological Control of Brown Citrus Aphid: Recent Observations (original) (raw)

1996, International Organization of Citrus Virologists Conference Proceedings (1957-2010)

Some parasitoids and predators of the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida, are reviewed. There are many predators associated with the brown citrus aphid but they are typically polyphagous and may not be good candidates for specific augmentation or release programs. Parasitoids of the brown citrus aphid are more host-specific and offer good potential as biological control agents. Therefore, a search for parasitoids of brown citrus aphid was initiated. During four surveys ofAsia conducted in 1991,1992 and 1995, eight parasitic wasp species were found attacking brown citrus aphid. Two species, Aphelinus spiraecolae from China and Lysiphlebia japonica from Japan, were imported to Florida for study. In the laboratory, A. spiraecolae preferred the spirea aphid, Aphis spiraecola, and in October 1995, a permit was obtained for field release in Florida against spirea aphid. Lysiphlebia japonica was released against the brown citrus aphid in spring, 1996 in south Florida. The impact of these two nonindigenous parasitoids on brown citrus aphid populations will be monitored along with their effect on other aphids. Index words. Aphelinus spiraecolae, citrus aphids, Lysiphlebia japonica, vector management.