Efficacy of Cryptoiaelnus montrouzieri Mulsant in the Suppression of Rastrococcus invadens Williams on Sapota

Abstract

The mealybug Rastrococcus invadens Williams was recorded in serious form on sapota (Manilkara zapota Forberg) in May 2002 at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research Farm, Bangalore. The coccinellid predator, CryptoiaemllS montrollzieri Mulsant was released for its suppression on sapota. The population of the mealybug declined from initial infestation of 507.61 shoot to 0.00 in two months time. No other natural enemy except C. montrollzieri was observed on R. invadens. The maximum temperature, minimum temperature, morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity ranged from 27 to 36 °C, 18 to 22 °C, 52 to 91 per cent and 30 to 76per cent, respectively. There was no marked influence of these abiotic factors on the mealybug population during the study period. The decline in the mealybug population on sapota was due to the predatory activity of C. montroltzieri.