Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection (2010) 43, 1318-1334

Shaaban Abd-Rabou and Alvin M. Simmons (2010)
Augmentation and evaluation of a parasitoid, Encarsia inaron, and a predator, Clitostethus arcuatus, for biological control of the pomegranate whitefly, Siphoninus phillyreae
Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 43 (13), 1318-1334
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological control potential of Encarsia inaron (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and a predator Clitostethus arcuatus (Rossi) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) against the pomegranate whitefly, Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) by mass rearing and augmentative releases of these two natural enemies during a long-term field study in Egypt. A study was conducted to evaluate the biological control potential of this pest by augmentation with a parasitoid, En. inaron, and a predator, C. arcuatus. Both species were mass reared and monthly releases were made in fields of pomegranate during each of 11 consecutive years (1996-2006). About 1,155,000 En. inaron and 990,000 C. arcuatus were released in fields in Assuit governorate in Egypt on pomegranate which was naturally infested by S. phillyreae. Populations of the natural enemies and parasitism were much higher in field plots where releases were made compared with where no releases were made. The maximum rate of parasitism reached 93% (88% by En. inaron) in the field treatment where releases were made, while parasitism peaked at 36% where no releases were made. The population of En. inaron was significantly correlated with the population of whitefly during the field season. Additional parasitism was by natural infestation with Eretmocerus parasiphonini Evans and Abd-Rabou (Hyneoptera: Aphelinidae). Among all years, the maximum number of C. arcuatus ranged from 13 to 44 beetles per 100 leaves for the treatment, and there were more predators in the release plot than in the control plot. These observations enhance understanding of the usefulness of these natural enemies after augmentation in the field.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Shaaban Abd-Rabou, Alvin M. Simmons

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Siphoninus phillyreae	Pomegranate (Punica granatum)	Egypt
Clitostethus arcuatus (predator)	Siphoninus phillyreae	Pomegranate (Punica granatum)	Egypt
Encarsia inaron (parasitoid)	Siphoninus phillyreae	Pomegranate (Punica granatum)	Egypt