Abstract
During the years 1994-1999, several hundreds of thousands of H. axyridis adults were released at various cultivations infested by aphids (citrus, vegetable and bean crops, maize etc.) and on ornamental plants in urban settings in central and southern Greece (mainly Attica and Peloponessos region) as well as on several islands. Between 1995-1999, spring sampling was conducted in some areas, just prior to releases, in order to determine if H. axyridis overwintered in the field. No presence of H. axyridis was recorded in any of the orchards where the predator had been released save in spring of 1998 and 1999 when small colonies (<50 indi- viduals) of overwintered H. axyridis adults were observed in the Attica region. The above results suggest an inability of released H. axyridis populations to establish in Greece, although in some areas this species became an important biocontrol agent during the growing season.
Highlights
Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a predator used as a biocontrol agent against a wide range of soft bodied insects (Katsoyannos, 1996, Pervez & Omkar, 2006)
During spring 1994, approximately 620 adults of H. axyridis were released in four citrus growing areas of Greece (MarathonAttica, Campos-Chios, Leonidion-Arcadia, Chania-Crete) on orange, mandarin and sour orange infested by aphids [Toxoptera aurantii, Aphis spiraecola and A. gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] (Katsoyannos et al, 1997)
The purpose of the current study is to present the status of H. axyridis in Greece during the years 1995–1999, when increased numbers of the predator were released over more extensive areas
Summary
Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a predator used as a biocontrol agent against a wide range of soft bodied insects (aphids and scales) (Katsoyannos, 1996, Pervez & Omkar, 2006). Harmonia axyridis has caused problems in fruit production (Koch, 2003) and as a household nuisance as it can induce allergic rhino-conjunctivitis in some people (Koch et al, 2006, Majerus et al, 2006, Pervez & Omkar, 2006). During spring 1994, approximately 620 adults of H. axyridis were released in four citrus growing areas of Greece (MarathonAttica, Campos-Chios, Leonidion-Arcadia, Chania-Crete) on orange, mandarin and sour orange infested by aphids [Toxoptera aurantii, Aphis spiraecola and A. gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] (Katsoyannos et al, 1997). Over the two months, H. axyridis proved to be an effective biocontrol agent against the afore-mentioned aphids in two locations (Campos-Chios and Leonidion-Arcadia). In Greece, aphid populations are scarce in summer (Katsoyannos et al, 1997)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
