Soft scale parasitoids
(under development)
Metaphycus species
Metaphycus helvolvus, an efficient parasite of soft brown scale and black scale.
Soft scale parasitoids(under development) Metaphycus species
Metaphycus helvolvus, an efficient parasite of soft brown scale and black scale. |
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Target Pests |
Soft brown scale, black scale and citricola scale |
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Crops suitable |
Citrus, olives, passion fruit, figs, custard apples and a wide range of ornamentals including gardenia, oleander, ferns and palms. |
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General description |
Small parasitoid wasps |
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How to use |
Mass production systems for Metaphycus wasps are under development. Small quantities should be are available in spring 2003 for inoculative releases. It is envisaged that they will be released as adults but may be despatched as parasitised pupae inside the soft scales bodies. Releases will be inoculative, so release wasps where soft scales are known to exist and try to control or reduce ant populations in the release vicinity beforehand. |
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Suppliers |
Biological Services Loxton SA ph. 08 8584 6977 |
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Other biocontrol agents commonly used with Metaphycus: |
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The Good Bug Book - Second Edition Available from suppliers |
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