Environmental Entomology (1972) 1, 414-419

W.G. Hart (1972)
Compensatory releases of Microterys flavus as a biological control agent against brown soft scale
Environmental Entomology 1 (4), 414-419
Abstract: Releases of Microterys flavus (Howard) in selected citrus groves in south Texas reduced populations of brown soft scale, Coccus hesperidum L., for prolonged periods compared with groves exposed to chemical control. The theoretical potential of this encyrtid parasite is such that a single gravid female could produce sufficient offspring in 6-7 weeks to destroy 1,089,300 scales. Procedures might be developed that would overcome adverse effects on the parasites and assure the success of compensatory releases of this parasite for control of brown soft scale.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
inundative/inoculative release

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Coccus hesperidum	Citrus (genus)	U.S.A. (mid S)
Microterys nietneri (parasitoid)	Coccus hesperidum	Citrus (genus)	U.S.A. (mid S)