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The fig wax scale Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus) (Homoptera: Coccidae) in south‐east Vietnam: Pest status, life history and biocontrol trials with Eublemma amabilis Moore (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Author(s) -
VU Nga Thi,
EASTWOOD Rod,
NGUYEN Chat Thi,
PHAM Lam Van
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
entomological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1748-5967
pISSN - 1738-2297
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5967.2006.00034.x
Subject(s) - coccidae , biology , pest analysis , infestation , instar , homoptera , biological pest control , predator , ecology , botany , predation , larva
The fig wax scale Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus) is a serious pest of fruit trees in many countries. In the present study we investigated the extent of C. rusci infestation and the range of host species, particularly in fruit orchards, in south‐east Vietnam. Captive populations of C. rusci were established to record life history parameters and to investigate the efficacy of an endemic predacious moth, Eublemma amabilis Moore, as a potential biocontrol agent. Heavy infestation of C. rusci (up to 100%) was recorded in soursop and other fruit orchards, and the culturally important Hoa Mai flower was also affected. Captive breeding trials found E. amabilis to be an efficient predator of C. rusci , but an unusual hyperactive trait in early instars of E. amabilis resulted in lower than expected survival rates. The implications of this trait in terms of the laboratory environment, augmentative release protocols and as a survival strategy are discussed.