Abstract
Populations of the brown citrus aphid (BCA), Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), and associated insects were monitored in citrus groves in western Puerto Rico in 1996 and 1997. Peak populations of the aphid were observed in spring and fall of both years. A total of 6,737 infested citrus terminals were examined and categorized by growth stage and BCA colony size. Natural enemies, primarily coccinellids, syrphids, chrysopids, and aphidiids, were recorded when present in BCA colonies and a list of species is presented. A complex of large coccinellid species was inferred to have the greatest potential for impact on BCA populations in Puerto Rico. Predation by syrphid larvae was another important source of BCA mortality. The parasitoid, Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson), was abundant in some samples, but usually parasitized only a small percentage of aphids within colonies. The fungus, Verticillium lecanii (Zimm.), infected BCA colonies sporadically. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was often observed harvesting honeydew from BCA colonies and interfering with natural enemies.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.