Role of temperature in biological control of tropical coccids in glasshouses

Copland M. J. W., . (1986) Role of temperature in biological control of tropical coccids in glasshouses. [Proceedings Paper]

The mealybug Planococcus citri Risso and the soft scale Saissetia coffeae Walker were well known tropical pests and potential predators and parasitoids. However there were no detailed studies on biological control of these pests in glasshoused. Preliminary trials suggested that the control workeds only during summer months when temperatures were well above 20 C. WE had investigated the potential of several parasitoid species and predatory beetle. We found that temperature was the main limiting factor. Egg larval and pupal development; and adult egg production may proceed at quite low temperatures and adult longevity was increased provided individuals had the opportunity to feed. However larval behavioural processes such as moulting feeding and adult activity such as dispersal host founding and egg laying were inhibited. Mating and sex determination seemed independent of temperature. While a constant 20 C may be too cold successful control were achieved at lower mean temperatures by providing a few hours daily above 20 C. We selected species with the best temperature criteria and we defined a cyclical temperature regime which used the same amount of heating fuel yet provided a considerably improved performance of the biological control agents. This study had implications for biological control agents whereever they were used. It was essential to define the generation time longevity fecundity and dispersiveness of a potential agent. Yet screening and experimentation at constant temperature will give a false picture of their performance in the field

Full text available from:

Abstract

The mealybug Planococcus citri Risso and the soft scale Saissetia coffeae Walker were well known tropical pests and potential predators and parasitoids. However there were no detailed studies on biological control of these pests in glasshoused. Preliminary trials suggested that the control workeds only during summer months when temperatures were well above 20 C. WE had investigated the potential of several parasitoid species and predatory beetle. We found that temperature was the main limiting factor. Egg larval and pupal development; and adult egg production may proceed at quite low temperatures and adult longevity was increased provided individuals had the opportunity to feed. However larval behavioural processes such as moulting feeding and adult activity such as dispersal host founding and egg laying were inhibited. Mating and sex determination seemed independent of temperature. While a constant 20 C may be too cold successful control were achieved at lower mean temperatures by providing a few hours daily above 20 C. We selected species with the best temperature criteria and we defined a cyclical temperature regime which used the same amount of heating fuel yet provided a considerably improved performance of the biological control agents. This study had implications for biological control agents whereever they were used. It was essential to define the generation time longevity fecundity and dispersiveness of a potential agent. Yet screening and experimentation at constant temperature will give a false picture of their performance in the field

[error in script]

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	7 ref. Summary En
AGROVOC Term:	COCCIDIOS
AGROVOC Term:	CONTROL BIOLOGICO
AGROVOC Term:	INVERNADEROS
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:25
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/14008

Actions (login required)

View Item