Biocontrol Science and Technology (2019) 29, 59-67

Hajar Pakyari, Arefeh Pilefroshha, Abbas Arbab and Annie Enkegaard (2019)
Mealybug avoidance responses to ladybird semiochemicals
Biocontrol Science and Technology 29 (1), 59-67
Abstract: The predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant is a very effective natural enemy of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso), and has a worldwide distribution. This study investigated how the citrus mealybug responded to semiochemicals from the ladybird. In laboratory experiments, mealybug response to semiochemicals left by ladybirds on leaf surfaces was measured. The results indicated that the presence of ladybirds can change the settling behaviour of P. citri. The exposure of plant material to C. montrouzieri had a significant influence on the settling of mealybugs added to the same plant. The distribution of citrus mealybugs in the Petri dishes was significantly affected by the previous presence of ladybirds. The avoidance response may aid in the biological control of mealybugs by coccinellids released onto crops infested with mealybugs.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Abbas Arbab

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host
environment/habitat manipulation

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Planococcus citri
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (predator)	Planococcus citri