Anagyrus Kamali Moursi Research Articles

Natural enemies of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), with description of a new species of Leucopina Malloch (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae)

The Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is a quarantine pest in Colombia, however, there is little information on its distribution within the country and its natural enemies. Samples of PHM were collected in several locations in Colombia from different host-plant species and kept in breeding chambers to extract their predators and parasitoids. Two novel natural enemies of M. hirsutus were recorded, i.e., Allotropa cf. citri Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Leucopina nyiaybsa Gaimari & Montes, sp. n. (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) described herein. Furthermore, information on the distribution range in Colombia of the parasitoids Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Gyranusoidea indica Shafee, Alam and Agarwal (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is provided. A species of Pachyneuron (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was found as a possible parasitoid or hyperparasitoid somewhere in this system. Currently, in Colombia, the PHM is not considered an agricultural pest and its damage is restricted to primary hosts such as Hibiscus spp., Malvaviscus arboreus (Malvaceae) and soursop Annona muricata (Annonaceae). Prochiloneurus dactylopii (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was found as a possible hyperparasitoid. However, the number of recovered hyperparasitoids was low compared to the primary parasitoids that emerged in breeding chambers, which may explain why these species do not seem to interfere in the biological control of PHM. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Leucopina nyiaybsa Gaimari & Montes, sp. n. are considered important predators of PHM.

On the origin of Anagyrus callidus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid ofpink hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

Anagyrus callidus Triapitsyn, Andreason Perring (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), recently described from southern California, USA and Mexico, is a primary parasitoid of the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). This wasp species previously was misidentified as Anagyrus kamali Moursi, which was introduced and released as such in the United States (California and Florida) and Mexico. In this paper, the origin of A. callidus is shown to be from Taiwan, based on differences in the morphology and molecular sequences of voucher specimens of an earlier colony of the misidentified A. kamali from Puerto Rico (released in August 2002 in southern Florida), and specimens that originated in southern Taiwan.

New Records of Parasitoids Hymenopteran (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) Associated With Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the State of São Paulo

Survey of hymenoptera parasitoids of pink-hibiscus-mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) infesting Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was conducted in two municipalities of state of São Paulo, Brazil from August 2016 to August 2017. Nine species of chalcidoid wasps were obtained: Anagyrus kamali Moursi (1948); Anagyrus sp. aff. mirtesae Noyes and Menezes (2000); Anagyrus sp.; Bothriocraera bicolor Compere and Zinna (1955); Cheiloneurus sp., Gyranusoidea deionae Noyes (2000); Prochiloneurus sp. (Encyrtidae); Aprostocetus sp. (Eulophidae); and Chartocerus sp. (Signiphoridae). Anagyrus kamali and G. deionae were the most frequent species, corresponding to 67.26% and 22.62% of the parasitoids, respectively. Bothriocraera bicolor, Chartocerus and G. deionae are recorded for the first time associated with M. hirsutus. Gyranusoidea deionae and B. bicolor are recorded for the first time in Brazil. The seasonal study of M. hirsutus and its parasitoids was carried out in January to December 2017on 16 hibiscus plants, aligned in the hedge in the experimental area of the FCAV/UNESP in Jaboticabal, SP. For this purpose, ovisacs, nymphs and adults of mealybug were counting on infested plants and the adult parasitoids collected in Möerick traps. Maconellicoccus hirsutus was observed during the periods of January-March and October-December, with the highest infestation in January and February. In the traps, a total of 92 specimens of pink-mealybug parasitoids were obtained: 65% belonging to A. kamali and 35% to G. deionae.

Untangling the Anagyrus pseudococci species complex (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), parasitoids of worldwide importance for biological control of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): Genetic data corroborates separation of two new, previously misidentified species

Endoparasitoid wasps in the genus Anagyrus Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are commonly used in the biological control of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) worldwide. During a recent biological control program initiated for management of the pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), by its primary parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi, genomic sequences of the parasitoid were found to be dissimilar with sequences previously published for A. kamali. This discrepancy in the identification of the specimens, which originated in the Imperial Valley, California, USA and Valle de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico, launched an investigation into the identity of the unknown California/Nayarit population alongside species of the Anagyrus pseudococci complex, in which Anagyrus pseudococci (Girault), Anagyrus sp. near pseudococci, A. kamali, Anagyrus dactylopii (Howard), and Anagyrus kivuensis Compere are informally classified. Morphological evaluation and morphometric analyses provided evidence for the identification of the California/Nayarit population as a new species based on the coloration of the male antennal scape and the ratio of the minimum width of the female frontovertex to the head width. Analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA regions further supported the definition of this population as a distinct species. Along with this new taxon, herein named Anagyrus callidus Triapitsyn, Andreason & Perring sp. n., A. sp. near pseudococci is described and named Anagyrus vladimiri Triapitsyn sp. n. Phylogenetic analysis supported the monophyly of the A. pseudococci complex, originally described based on morphological similarity to A. pseudococci and the coloration of the first funicle segment of female antenna, relative to non-complex Anagyrus species. The effectiveness of A. callidus as a biological control agent against the PHM was demonstrated by the parasitoid’s successful establishment and significant reductions of the pest in the Coachella Valley.

SURVEY OF SCALE INSECTS, MEALY BUGS AND ASSOCIATED NATURAL ENEMIES ON MULBERRY TREES IN THE NILE DELTA

Sampling of two mulberry tree species namely Morus alba L. and M. nigra L. was conducted from January 2011 to December 2012 to determine the arthropod pests attacking the trees, and their associated natural enemies at Delta region. Two arthropod classes were recorded during the present study (Insecta and Arachnida). Scale insects (Asterolecanium pustulans (Ckll.), Ceroplastes rusci L., Coccus hesperidum L., Saissetia oleae (Bern.), Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.-Tozz.), Hemiberlesia lataniae Signoret) and mealy bugs (Icerya aegyptiaca (Dough), Icerya purchasi Maskell, Icerya seychellarum (Westw.), Ferrisia virgata (Ckll.), Planococcus citri (Risso), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)) were surveyed as major insect pests. The minor ones were accounted for 24 species (including insects and mites). The parasitoids associated with scale insects and mealy bugs were arranged in five families, Aphytis spp., Encarsia citrina (Crawford), Anagyrus kamali Moursi, Metaphycus sp., Allotropa mecrida (Walker), Scutellista caerulea (Fonscolombe) the most occurring. As for predators, 31 insect species and 9 spiders were found associated with the two pest categories. The predatory mites were identified as two species, which regulate the spider mites. Population fluctuations of mulberry mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) were found related to the population fluctuation of Nephus bipunctatus.

First report of Maconellicoccus hirsutus(Green, 1908) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) and the associated parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), in Brazil

The pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and the associated hymenopterous parasitoid, Anagyrus kamali Moursi, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), are reported for the first time in Brazil. Specimens of the PHM were collected on nine hosts plants, Annona muricata L. (Anonnaceae), Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabaceae), Centrolobium paraensis Tul. (Fabaceae), Inga edulis Mart. (Fabaceae), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvaceae), Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) and Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae), in four municipalities in the north-northeast of the state of Roraima. The plants C. paraensis, I. edulis and C. sinensis are recorded for the first time as a hosts for PHM. Characteristic injuries observed on the host plants infested by PHM and suggestions for its management are presented.

Present Status of <I>Maconellicoccus hirsutus</I> (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Mariana Islands and Its Control by Two Fortuitously Introduced Natural Enemies

The mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), attacks ornamental and fruit crops in the Mariana Islands. Insecticides cannot penetrate the heavy layers of wax that protect the insect's body. We surveyed the mealybug's locally recruited natural enemies and their effects on its population on Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian to assess the need for introduction of exotic natural enemies. We monitored population densities of M. hirsutus, those of its natural enemies, and parasitism rates for 3 yr, 2005-2007. Our surveys revealed the presence of two parasitoids, Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Allotropa sp. near mecrida (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), fortuitously introduced to the Mariana Islands with M. hirsutus. The predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) also was often found feeding on M. hirsutus. Population density of M. hirsutus was below the economic threshold at all locations. Rainfall seemed to affect mean numbers of M. hirsutus and mean numbers of eggs at some locations. On all four islands, the two parasitoids, complemented by the predator, were effectively controlling the M. hirsutus population. No evidence of hyperparasitism was recorded. Currently, economic damage by M. hirsutus is not a concern in the Mariana Islands, and additional parasitoids need not be introduced to control M. hirsutus.

Classical biological control of the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), in southern California

Abstract A cooperative classical biological control project against the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), infestation in the low-desert region of California was initiated in the fall of 1999. Subsequently, the parasitoids Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Encyrtidae), Gyranusoidea indica Shafee, Alam & Agarwal (Encyrtidae) and Allotropa sp. nr. mecrida (Walker) (Platygastridae) were reared and released for permanent establishment. Population densities of mealybug and percent parasitism were monitored at a number of mulberry tree and carob tree sites for five consecutive years. The population density of M. hirsutus within the first year was reduced by approximately 95%. Over the entire 5-year period of the project, the average regional population density of the mealybug exhibited a continued decline. Anagyrus kamali was the predominant parasitoid, often parasitizing in excess of 50% of the mid-to-late stage M. hirsutus in the first 2 years following the parasitoid’s release. Although Gyranusoidea indica was rarely found from spring through early fall, it did represent 40% of the parasitoid species composition during winter. By 2005, the platygastrid parasitoid, Allotropa sp. nr. mecrida did not appear to be established following numerous releases in 2003 and 2004. Hyperparasitism of A. kamali by resident species (Marietta sp. & Chartocerus sp.) was frequently over 35% during 2000. However, hyperparasitism was considerably lower during each successive year, coincident with declining densities of both mealybug and the primary parasitoid host. Field collections of two other species of mealybugs common in Imperial Valley demonstrated that they are not being utilized as alternate non-target hosts by the newly introduced parasitoids.

Invasion of the Carribean by the hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green [Homoptera : Pseudococcidae

Since its accidental introduction into the island of Grenada in 1994, Maconellicoccus hirsutus [Homoptera : Pseudococcidae], commonly named the Hibiscus or Pink Mealybug (HMB), has been inexorably spreading through the Caribbean islands where it has become a major pest on several crops in 24 Caribbean Islands. This pest was also reported in Guyana threatening South and Central America. M. hirsutus is a very prolific pest that injects a toxin at the point of feeding, causing severe distortion of leaves, new shoots and fruit. Initial use of physical and chemical control methods were ineffective. In addition, because of its wide host range and its rapid geographie expansion, not only to agricultural land but also to home gardens and forest areas, biological control appeared as the most suitable method to manage the HMB populations. Three natural enemies were selected for this biocontrol effort: the predatory beetles Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant and Scymnuscoccivora Ramkrisna [Coleoptera : Coccinellidae] and the parasitoid Anagyruskamali Moursi [Hymenoptera : Encyrtidae]. A. kamali and C. montrouzieri were highly effective in bringing HMB populations under control. In newly infested countries, early introduction of biological control agents resulted in effective management of the pest. This experience provided a model for future management of other alien invasive pest species in the region.

Impact of mating on Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hym., Encyrtidae) lifetime fecundity, reproductive longevity, progeny emergence and sex ratio

Abstract: The solitary endoparasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hym., Encyrtidae) and the Hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green (Hom., Pseudococcidae), were used as a parasite/host model to test the effect of mating on several fitness parameters, i.e. longevity, lifetime fecundity, progeny emergence and sex ratio. At 27 ± 2°C, 8 h light : 16 h dark, mating significantly affected the survival of male parasitoids. Virgin males lived longer (32.2 ± 9.51 days) than mated males (23.9 ± 7.52 days). Female longevity (40.7 ± 16.3 days for virgins and 36.2 ± 10.7 days for mated females) was not affected by mating. The lifetime fecundity of female parasitoids and their oviposition period was not significantly affected by mating. However, the number of hosts parasitized was greater for mated wasps (7.54 ± 4.85 hosts parasitized/day) compared with virgin ones (5.12 ± 2.19 hosts parasitized/day). This resulted in greater progeny production from mated A. kamali females. The progeny of virgin females consisted only of males, whereas the mated ones had a more female‐biased sex ratio. The lowest sex ratio (0.41 M/F ± 0.123) was attained when females had free access to males and were multi‐mated.

Comparison of life table parameters for Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Anagyrus kamali, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus coccivora.

The pink mealybug Maconellicoccushirsutus Green (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) wasrecently introduced to Trinidad. M.hirsutus almost immediately attained peststatus and despite the implementation ofcultural and chemical control measures, thepopulation increased above the economic injurylevel. Three natural enemies, Anagyruskamali Moursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae) and Scymnus coccivoraAyyar (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were introduced.Life fecundity tables were constructed for thepest-natural enemies complex in the hope ofunderstanding the interaction of each naturalenemy with its host, and, in so doing, form acomparative approach to assessing theeffectiveness of each natural enemy. Thestudies were carried out in the laboratory at27.0 ± 3.0 °C and 58.0 ± 3.0%RH, which is within the average field conditions in Trinidad.The net reproductive rates (Ro), theinnate capacity for increase (rm) and thefinite rate of increase (λ) were found to behigher for the natural enemies compared to thepest. The doubling time for M. hirsutuswas 8.83 days, while A. kamali, C.montrouzieri and S. coccivora populationsdoubled in 2.09, 5.13 and 4.45 daysrespectively. The significantly higherpopulation parameters of the natural enemies,coupled with their shorter doubling times, meanthat their populations can grow faster and thusexert a controlling effect on pest numbers.

Body size as an indicator of parasitoid quality in male and female Anagyrus kamali (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).

The parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi was recently introduced into the Caribbean as a biological control agent against the hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green. In the laboratory, parasitoid size, as measured by left hind tibia length, was positively correlated with several indicators of the parasitoid's fitness: longevity, mating preference, fecundity, reproductive longevity, progeny emergence and sex-ratio. When fed ad libidum with honey drops, large male parasitoids lived significantly longer (29.1 +/- 6.5 days) than small ones (18.4 +/- 5.7 days). Large females also lived significantly longer (35.4 +/- 10 days) than small females (27.9 +/- 9.6 days). Females showed no significant mating preference between large and small males. Lifetime fecundity was positively correlated with the size of adult females and ranged from 37 +/- 21 eggs for small females to 96 +/- 43 eggs for large ones. The reproductive longevity, daily oviposition rate, and number of progeny were also higher among large parasitoids. The sex ratio of progeny from small female parasitoids was higher (0.76 +/- 0.24) than that of large individuals (0.47 +/- 0.18).

Suitability of Nine Mealybug Species (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) as Hosts for the Parasitoid Anagyrus kamali (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

The parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi [Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae] has been recently introduced into the Caribbean as a biological control agent against the Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green [Homoptera: Pseudococcidae]. In order to understand host/parasitoid ecological interactions and optimize the mass-production system of this parasitoid, eight mealybug species (Planococcus citri (Risso), Planococcus halli Ezzat & McConnel, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), Pseudococcus elisae Borchsenius, Saccharococcus sacchari (Cockerell), Puto barberii (Cockerell), Nipaecoccus nipae (Newstead), Plotococcus neotropicus (Williams & Granara de Willink)) common to Trinidad were tested to determine their potential as alternative hosts for the parasitoid. Susceptibility, preference and suitability tests were conducted. In addition to M. hirsutus (4.5 ± 2.04 hosts parasitized per female parasitoid in 30 min), Planococcus citri (1.1 ± 1.23 hosts parasitized) and Planoccocus halli (0.8 ± 1.41 hosts parasitized) were the only species parasitized. However, the parasitoid did not complete its development in the latter two hosts. Out of nine mealybug species, M. hirsutus was the only suitable host for the complete development of A. kamali progeny. This level of host specificity by A. kamali may prevent adverse effect to other Caribbean mealybug species.

Fecundity and survival of Anagyrus kamali (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) under different feeding and storage temperature conditions

The parasitoid, Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), has been recently introduced into the Caribbean as a biological control agent against the hibiscus mealybug (HMB), Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Storage of A. kamali that is essential for its use in biological control did not affect the longevity of female and male parasitoids (40.3 ± 14.07 and 31.7 ± 9.57 days, respectively) when kept at 20 ± 2°C in absence of hosts and fed ad libitum with droplets of pure honey. At a storage temperature of 27 ± 2°C the longevity decreased by about 10 days. Fed females did not resorb eggs during the first two weeks of storage at 20 ± 2°. Parasitoid ovogenesis ceased when ovarioles/lateral oviducts were full. The lifetime fecundity was not significantly affected by a storage at 20 ± 2°C of up to 14 days. Foraging activities and oviposition were the main factors influencing the lifespan of female A. kamali.

Effect of host density, temperature, and photoperiod on the fitness of Anagyrus kamali, a parasitoid of the hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus

AbstractThe peformance of the parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi [Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae], as a function of host density, temperature, and photoperiod was investigated with the objective to optimize a mass‐rearing system in the context of a biological control program. The number of hosts parasitized at densities varying from 2–100 hibiscus mealybug (HMB), Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green [Homoptera: Pseudococcidae], corresponded to a type II‐III functional response in fixed‐time conditions and a type III in variable‐time conditions. Twenty‐six percent of the oviposited eggs led to progeny emergence with a sex ratio of 0.49±0.102 (M/F), regardless of host density. Fecundity and oviposition period under six abiotic combinations (i.e., two temperatures (26±2 °C and 32±2 °C) and three photoperiods (L0:D24, L12:D12, L24:D0)) were measured. Lifetime fecundity and reproductive life were significantly affected by temperature and photoperiod conditions. Optimum female parasitoid lifetime fecundity was attained at 26±2 °C, L0:D24 with an average of 116.1±17.43 eggs. At 32±2 °C, L24:D0 and L12:D12, an average of 79.4±34.57 and 85.8±35.81 eggs were laid, respectively. Reproductive longevity was maximal at 26±2 °C, L0:D24 with 12±4.85 days of oviposition. Because the parasite A. kamali can be reared optimally without light, this may save tremendous energy costs.

Mutual Interference Among Female Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its Impact on Fecundity, Progeny Production and Sex Ratio

The solitary endoparasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi was introduced to the Caribbean to control populations of Hibiscus Mealybug (HMB) Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green. As part of a biological control programme, mass rearing of A. kamali should produce a maximum of good quality female wasps, because only female parasitoids attack the mealybug. In laboratory experiments conducted at 27 +/- 2°C, mutual interference between female parasitoids on the total oviposition, progeny production and sex ratio was assessed at five parasitoid densities: i.e. 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 female wasps per 50 mealybugs. Oviposition rates of females decreased with increasing female density, without significantly affecting the sex ratio (average across densities of 0.49 +/- 0.322) (male/female). Under mass-rearing conditions, an increase of the female density from 25 to 75 individuals per cage resulted in an increase of the progeny production from 266 +/- 70.1 to 877.5 +/- 393.3 parasitoids. From 75 to 100 females released per cages, the progeny production was not significantly different with 877.5 +/- 393.3 and 965.3 +/- 608.3 parasitoids produced, respectively. Regardless of the female density, progeny sex ratio remained stable at an average of 0.45 +/- 0.095. As a result, the best efficiency of the mass-production system was obtained at a density of 75 females per cage. However, parasitoid production at this density was inferior to singly caged females by about 50%.

Immune response of the hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), to oviposition of the parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Anagyrus kamali Moursi has been recently introduced into the Caribbean as a biological agent against the hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green. This host has a cellular defense reaction that involves encapsulation and melanization of the endoparasitoid egg. The impact of this immune response on the parasitoid progeny was assessed, as well as the response of the parasitoid countermeasures to overcome it. Under laboratory conditions, significant differences in the immune response were found for different developmental stages of M. hirsutus. The intensity of the immune response varied between second instar, third instar and adult mealybugs. After 30 h, the level of encapsulation was the highest for eggs oviposited in adults: 58% of eggs were encapsulated, followed by third (32%) and second (4%) instars. Three days after oviposition 23, 44 and 86% of the parasitoid eggs oviposited, respectively, in adult, third and second instars were not encapsulated. The unencapsulated parasitoid eggs could hatch and continue their development. Adult mealybugs required 30 h to encapsulate 50% of the eggs, whereas in second and third instars, 50% level encapsulation was never reached. Superparasitism had a saturating effect on the immune system; reduced levels of encapsulation occurred when more than 10 eggs were oviposited in a single mealybug. Wasp larvae were never encapsulated by M. hirsutus.

Biological Control of the Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus Hirsutus Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Caribbean

The hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, was first reported in the Caribbean in 1994 in Grenada. This was the first record of the insect as a major pest in the New World. By the beginning of 2001, the pest had spread to over 25 territories from Guyana and Venezuela in the South to Bahamas in the North. The pest has also extended its distribution to Central America (Belize) and North America (California, USA). Early attempts to control the pest using pesticides resulted in failure and a classical biological control approach was adopted. Several exotic natural enemies were introduced but control was attributed to Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. In all countries where biological control was implemented, this resulted in success. This paper reviews the remarkable success story. Information is provided on the distribution and factors leading to rapid spread of the pest, its pest status and resultant economic losses, and implementation of the biological control effort.

Influence of Host Stage on Oviposition, Development, Sex Ratio, and Survival ofAnagyrus kamaliMoursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a Parasitoid of the Hibiscus Mealybug,Maconellicoccus hirsutusGreen (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)

Host stage selection, host suitability, and sex allocation by the solitary encyrtid parasitoid, Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hym., Encyrtidae), were studied in laboratory experiments in order to improve mass production of this parasitoid. All nymphal stages and adult females of the Hibiscus Mealybug (HMB), Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green (Hom., Pseudococcidae), were parasitized in no-choice experiments. In two-choice experiments third larval instar and preoviposition adult females were the most preferred, in terms of number of hosts selected for oviposition. The number of eggs per host was consistently greater in adult females than in nymphal stages. However, in adult female mealybugs, more than 60% of the parasitoid’s eggs were encapsulated. More parasitoid progeny emerged from younger host stages than from older ones; nevertheless, the A. kamali sex ratio from hosts which were parasitized as early instars was close to one. Parasitized third instars and adult female mealybugs produced a population of A. kamali with a sex ratio of 0.4. Our findings have implications for mass rearing of the parasitoids, since the parasitoid choice of the host stage in which it oviposits strongly influences the production of female progeny. r 1999 Academic Press

Importation, colonization and establishment ofAnagyrus indicus [Hym.: Encyrtidae] onNipaecoccus viridis [Hom.: Pseudococcidae] in Jordan

Anagyrus indicus Shafeeet al. was collected on the island of Guam and released in the Jordan River Valley of Jordan in order to regulateNipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) on citrus.A. indicus was originally released in February 1984 and became colonized by April of the same year. It also dispersed by natural means up to 61 km following the original release and colonized that same year on infestedZizyphus sp. By spring of 1985 it became the dominant parasitoid attackingN. viridis. Another parasitoid,Anagyrus kamali Moursi, was collected in Jordan in June of 1985 for the first time. This latter parasitoid apparently moved into the Jordan River Valley by means of natural dispersal from a neighboring country. Infestations ofN. viridis have been greatly reduced in areas whereA. indicus became established.