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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
21

Citrus Chlorosis as Affected by Irrigation and Fertilizer Treatments

Burgess, P. S., Pohlman, G. G. 01 March 1928 (has links)
This item was digitized as part of the Million Books Project led by Carnegie Mellon University and supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Cornell University coordinated the participation of land-grant and agricultural libraries in providing historical agricultural information for the digitization project; the University of Arizona Libraries, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Office of Arid Lands Studies collaborated in the selection and provision of material for the digitization project.
22

An investigation of the behaviour and biology of the Citrus Mussel Scale, Lepidosaphes Beckii (Newm.)

Hulley, Patrick Elliot January 1961 (has links)
The citrus industry is subject to a number of serious insect pests. Of these, the most important is a sedentary group known as the Armoured Scale Insects (Diaspididae). Ebeling (1950) states that they are of greater economic importance to the industry than all the other pests put together. A great deal has been published on various aspects of the biology, ecology and control of the Diaspididae, much of the work appearing in the books of Quayle (1938), Ebeling (1950) and Bodenheimer (1951). It is very noticeable, however, that the study of the active larvae, or "crawlers", of these insects has been relatively neglected. This lack of work on crawlers is surprising, since they are the only distributive stage in the life cycle of the species. The adult male is also free-living during its brief life span, but takes no part in the actual distribution of the species. It is the position of the female Scale Insect which is important in determining the further spread of the species, since this is the point from which subsequent crawlers will start out on their wanderings. The stage in the life cycle responsible for the position of the female is, of course, the crawler. The crawler is also responsible for the parallel distribution of the male Scales, so that the female can be fertilised. The role of the adult male is confined to the maintenance of the gene flow. From an economic point of view it seems desirable that a complete study be made of the biology of this distributive stage of these important pests.
23

Studies on the biology of ants associated with citrus trees

Myers, N J January 1957 (has links)
Several ant species may be associated with the same honeydew producing insect in citrus orchards. Recently antagonism and competition between two such ants were reported from Letaba. This report stimulated the present study, the purpose of which is to ascertain which ant species are most numerous in citrus orchards ln the Eastern Cape Province; the reasons for these ants being able to occupy orchards; and, finally, their relationships. A survey of the Sundays River Valley and the Fish River Valley revealed that three species - Anoplolepis custodiens Smith, Anoplolepis steingroeveri Forel, and Pheidole megacephala Fabricius - were commonly found in citrus orchards in association with Soft Brown Scale insects. The territorial relationships of these ants were determined by plotting their distribution at intervals for over a year. It was found that this distribution could be correlated with seasonal climatic conditions, the effects of farming practices, brood rearing requirements and behavioural differences between the three species. The ant, A.steingroeveri, had not been previously studied, and since foraging is an integral part of territorial behaviour, some aspects of its biology, and more especially its foraging activity, were investigated to compare it with the known biology of the other two species. Observations on the foraging activity of A. steingroeveri were made at monthly lntervals for almost a year, and correlated with climatic conditions prevailing at the time. Some seasonal and dally variations in foraging behaviour could not be readily explained in terms of the effects of temperature and humidity on the ants. Other factors, includ1ng trophallactic stimulation and overcast skies, were found to influence ant activity. Owing to the apparent lack of information in the literature and possibility of periodic honeydew production by Soft Brown Scale insects controlling ant activity was investigated in the laboratory. The results of this study showed that it was not likely that honeydew excretion restricted the activity of the ants. Several investigators have also found that many interrelated climatic factors correlated with ant foraging behaviour, but have expressed dissatisfaction at not being able to reach the crux of the matter. To clarify the issue a constant temperature chamber was constructed in which a colony of Crematogaster ants was housed and the ants were subjected to a series of temperatures at different humidities, all other factors were eliminated or kept constant. The effects of these two factors on the thermokinetics and foraging activity of the ants were registered. This thesis contains several sections and at the end of each the results are discussed in the light of the available literature and comparisons are drawn between the species under investigation. The main results are given in the summary. After the summary two appendices are included. One is an attempt to compare the effect on ant size of the honeydew diet of orchard colonies with the proteinaceoue diet of veld ants. The other appendix is an experiment to control citrus ants with an insecticide.
24

An investigation into the insect ecology of citrus orchards, with special reference to citrus mussel scale (Lepidosaphes beckii newm.)

Carnegie, Alistair John Michael January 1955 (has links)
In the course cf the last fifteen years the general lnsect ecology of citrus orchards in the Eastern Cape has provided the subject matter of four theses presented for the degree of M.Sc. of Rhodes University. The false codlin moth, Argyroploce leucotreta Meyr., formed the subject of a thesis by Horne in 1939. Then in 1941 the same insect formed the subject matter of a thesis by Harris. The general ecology of a citrus orchard, with special regard to the biological control of citrus red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Mask., was the subject matter of Whitehead's thesis in 1948. This was a much more general investigation than the preceding two theses, and touched on many more aspects of citrus ecology. Another thesis dealing with more general citrus ecology was that of Smithers in 1953.
25

The ecology of the South African citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure and its economic implications

Gilbert, Martin Jeffray January 1993 (has links)
The South African Citrus Thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) has been a serious pest of the citrus industry of Southern Africa for over 70 years. It is indigenous to Africa and has no recorded parasitoids and, in most citrus-growing regions, predators are not economically effective. Firstly, in this study, the general ecology of thrips was reviewed along with the recorded history of S. aurantii and its control. Host plant relationships of S. aurantii were then examined and wild hosts were not found to be important in promoting citrus thrips outbreaks in the orchard after flowering. In addition, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, which attacks citrus in Asia, was collected for the first time in Africa, but from Castor Oil plant. It is therefore a potential pest of citrus here. Notes on its appearance compared to that of S. aurantii were prepared. Weekly sampling of S. aurantii adults was carried out from June 1984 to May 1990. Population fluctuations were then correlated with phenology of the citrus trees and the direct and indirect effects of weather. Temperature and rainfall were not found to be significantly directly correlated with thrips numbers recorded. However, the indirect effects of rainfall were important in promoting a large winter thrips population in certain years. Relatively high rainfall during March and April compared to that of the previous January and February stimulated atypical flushing of the citrus trees during autumn and the setting of out-of-season fruit. S. aurantii then exploited this unusual food source and high numbers were subsequently recorded in the following winter; as well as in spring. Thus the mild winter climate alone could not suppress thrips numbers at Letaba. Dispersal/Emergence traps, which are used in the U.S.A. for the monitoring of Scirtothrips citri, were evaluated over 24 months, and were effective in recording population peaks of S. aurantii. The emergence rate of adults in relation to second instar larvae trapped was 43.7%. 35.7% of adults caught after emerging from the soil were males and 64.3 were females. In contrast, yellow traps had recorded 59.1% males and 40.9% females over the same period. The yellow traps were subsequently found to be biased towards male catches when young fruit and/or soft flush was present on the citrus trees. Relative inhibition of female flight activity during times of food abundance is known in other thrips species. During times of food scarcity, the bias in the yellow trap results disappeared. At Letaba Estates, availability of food rather than the direct effects of weather was seen to be the most important factor in governing S. aurantii numbers. Because of the importance of soft flush in the promotion of S. aurantii population increase, it is recommended that more attention should be given to the control of thrips on, as well as conducting surveys for, this food source. As the climate at Letaba is so favourable for citrus thrips, even during winter, it is further recommended that trapping for S. aurantii is carried out throughout the year. Furthermore, males and females should be recorded separately in trapping results as the sex ratio gives an indication of the phenological state of the tree.
26

The fungal flora associated with black spot of pineapples / Some aspects of the microflora of citrus soils

Edmonstone-Sammons, Chloris January 1956 (has links)
The earliest reference to investigations of "black spot" in pineapples is made by Tryon (1898), who refers to the work of Dr A. A. Brown (1896) of the stock Branch, Victoria (Aus.), who sectioned diseased areas of pineapples and found fungal spores and hyphae in the tissues. The symptoms of this socalled "fruitlet core rot," are described by Tryon as: "well defined dark brown markings immediately beneath the surface, and passing inwards to a depth of 1/4" to 1/2"- the malady commencing in separate fruitlets, the central core of the fruit remaining quite healthy." (This description agrees with the symptoms referred to as "black spot" 1n this country). Subsequent culture of the spores (found by Brown) on slices of healthy fruit resulted in growth of Mucor racemosus. Brown regarded an invasion by this fungus as a primary cause of the disease. Intro. p. 1.
27

Biology, ecology and management of white wax scale, Ceroplastes destructor Newstead (Hemiptera: Coccidae), on citrus and syzygium

Wakgari, Waktola (Waktola Muleta) 12 1900 (has links)
Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The population density of the white wax scale, Ceroplastes destructor Newstead, has increased since 1994 in certain areas of Western and parts of Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa where citrus is grown, particularly on Citrus reticulata (Blanco). A study was conducted to investigate its morphology, biology and ecology as contributions to the development of a sound integrated management programme. Characteristics of the immature stages and adult females were described and illustrated from field-collected and slide-mounted specimens. A key to the different stages and morphometeric characteristics useful for separating them are provided. No significant differences in female fecundity were found between orchards (P > 0.05). However, fecundity varied significantly between female size classes from the same orchard (P < 0.001). Female body-size also differed significantly between orchards (P < 0.05) and was significantly positively correlated with fecundity (P < 0.01). C. destructor has one discrete generation per year in South Africa. Oviposition commenced in November and continued through to the end of December with a few females ovipositing until mid January. Population density of the second instar peaked in February while the third instar extended from March to the end of July, followed by a peak population of adults in August. Seven primary and three secondary parasitoids, as well as four predator species attacking C. destructor were identified. Aprostocetus (= Tetrastichus) ceroplastae (Girault) was the dominant species, accounting for 78.87% of the total primary parasitoids reared. Peak numbers of parasitoids and predators were synchronized with peak emergence of susceptible scale stages, indicating that the host-parasitoid/predator system contained a density-dependent regulatory mechanism. Key mortality factors varied slightly between two of the orchards. Key stage mortality determined from a cohort life table was generally in the third instar (LIlI) and preovipositional female (POF) stage. Significant density-dependent mortality factors were demonstrated for the first instar (LI) and PDF stage. Dispersal of C. destructor is by first instar nymphs and the numbers caught on a series of yellow sticky traps varied significantly between crawler densities at the source, trap distances and trap directions from the source (P < 0.001). The numbers caught were positively correlated to the initial crawler density at the source (P < 0.01), suggesting that dispersal was density dependent. Trap distance and the numbers caught were inversely correlated (P < 0.01). Evaluation of effects of different densities of C. destructor on growth, survivorship and reproduction of scales as well as on leaf bearing ability of trees and area of leaf surface covered with sooty mould fungus was carried out on naturally infested Syzygium (= Eugenia) malaccensis (L.) plants. Scale body size and fecundity were inversely related to scale density (P < 0.01), suggesting density-dependent intraspecific competition. Scale survivorship generally declined with increasing density whereas scale parasitism and predation were positively correlated with density (P < 0.05). At high scale densities production of new leaves was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), reducing the resource base for subsequent generations of scale. Scale density and leaf area covered with sooty mould fungus were significantly positively correlated (P < 0.05). The toxicity of four synthetic insecticides against the three immature stages of C. destructor and of eight insecticides against the parasitoid A. ceroplastae was evaluated. Development of the first and second instars of C. destructor was completely arrested by the chemicals. Female fecundity, fertility and body sizes of survivors of treatments applied at the LIII stage were not significantly affected by any of the chemicals (P > 0.05). All the chemicals exhibited high toxicity to A. ceroplastae and hence are not recommended for integrated management of C. destructor in citrus orchards where A. ceroplastae plays an important role. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die populasiedigtheid van die witwasdopluis, Ceroplastes destructor Newstead, het sedert 1994 toegeneem in sekere gebiede van die Weskaap en Ooskaap provinsies van Suid-Afrika waar sitrus verbou word, veralop Citrus reticulata (Blanco). 'n Studie van hierdie insek se morfologie, biologie en ekologie is onderneem as bydrae tot die ontwikkeling van 'n geïntegreerde bestuursprogram. Die karaktertrekke van die onvolwasse stadia en die volwasse wyfies is beskryf en geïllustreer vanaf eksemplare wat in die veld versamel is en op g1asplaatjies gemonteer is. 'n Sleutel vir die verskillende stadia en morfometriese kenmerke wat nuttig is om hulle te onderskei, word voorsien. Geen beduidende verskille in die vrugbaarheid van wyfies van verskillende boorde is gevind nie (P < 0.05). Vrugbaarheid het egter betekenisvol verskil by die verskillende grootteklasse van wyfies uit dieselfde boord (P < 0.001). Die liggaamsgrootte van wyfies uit verskillende boorde het betekenisvol verskil (P < 0.05) en was betekenisvol positief gekorreleer met vrugbaarheid (P < 0.01). C. destructor het een generasie per jaar in Suid-Afrika. Eierlegging het in November begin en aangehou tot aan die einde van Desember, met enkele wyfies wat nog tot in middel Januarie eiers gelê het. Die populasiedigtheid van die tweede instar het 'n hoogtepunt in Februarie bereik, terwyl die derde instar van Maart tot aan die einde van Julie geduur het, gevolg deur 'n piekbevolking van volwassenes in Augustus. Sewe primêre en drie sekondêre parasitoïde asook vier predator spesies wat C destructor aanval, is geïdentifiseer. Aprostocetus (=Tetrastichus) ceroplastae (Girault) was die dominante spesies wat 78.87% van die totale aantal primêre parasitoïde wat uitgeteel is, uitgemaak het. Die pieke in die getalle van parasitoïde en predatore was gesinchroniseer met pieke in die verskyning van die gevoelige stadia, wat dui op die aanwesigheid van 'n digtheidsafhanklike regulatoriese meganisme. Die sleutel mortaliteitsfaktore het effens gevarieer tussen twee van die boorde. Die sleutelstadium van mortaliteit, soos bepaal m.b.v. 'n kohort lewenstabel, was gewoonlik die derde instar (LIlI) en die preoviposisionele wyfie (POW). Betekenisvolle digtheidsafhanklike mortaliteitsfaktore IS aangetoon vir die eerste instar (LI) en die POW. Die verspreiding van C.destructor vind plaas deur die eerste instar nimfe en die getalle wat op 'n reeks van taai geel valle gevang is, het betekenisvol gewissel volgens kruiperdigthede by die bron, asook die afstand en rigting van die valle vanaf die bron (P < 0.001). Die getalle wat gevang is, was positief gekorreleer met die aanvanklike kruiperdigtheid by die bron (P < 0.01), wat daarop dui dat verspreiding digtheidsafhanklik was. Die afstand van die valle en die aantal wat gevang is, was omgekeerd gekorreleer (P < 0.01). 'n Evaluering van die invloed van verskillende digthede van C. destructor op die groei, oorlewing en reproduksie van dopluise, asook die vermoë van bome om blare te dra en die area van die blaaroppervlak wat met roetskimmel besmet is, is uitgevoer op plante van Syzygium (= Eugenia) malaccensis (L.) met 'n natuurlike besmetting. Die liggaamsgrootte en vrugbaarheid van die dopluise was omgekeerd gekorreleer met hulle digtheid (P < 0.01), wat dui op digtheidsafhanklike intraspesifieke kompetisie. Die oorlewing van die dopluise het oor die algemeen afgeneem met toenemende digtheid, terwyl parasitisme en predasie positief gekorreleer was met digtheid (P < 0.05). By hoë dopluisdigthede het die produksie van nuwe blare betekenisvol afgeneem (P < 0.01), wat die hulpbronbasis vir daaropvolgende generasies van dopluise verswak. Die dopluisdigtheid en blaaroppervlak wat met roetskimmel bedek was, was positief gekorreleer (P < 0.05). Die toksisiteit van vier sintetiese insektemiddels teenoor die drie onvolwasse stadia van C. destructor en van agt insektemiddels teenoor die parasitoïd A. ceroplastae is geëvalueer. Die ontwikkeling van die eerste en tweede instars van C. destructor is heeltemal stopgesit deur die middels. Die fekunditeit, fertiliteit en liggaamsgrootte van wyfies wat toedienings op die LIIl stadium oorleef het, is nie betekenisvol ge-affekteer deur enige van die middels nie (P < 0.05). Al die middels was baie toksies teenoor A. ceroplastae en word dus nie aanbeveel vir die geïntegreerde bestuur van C. destructor waar A. ceroplastae 'n belangrike rol speel nie.
28

Die insekplaagkompleks op sitrus te Vaalharts

Mathewson, Johanna 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / Full text to be digitised and attached to bibliographic record. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The cultivation of citrus in the Vaalharts region is a fairly recent development. With the introduction of this crop, an insect pest complex has also developed in this region. The presence of these pests was studied in eleven orchards, planted with three citrus cultivars and of varying ages, distributed in the 300 square kilometer cultivation area. Each orchard was inspected for the presence of pests by making use of two weekly sampling techniques. Ten of the most important insect pests of citrus in the Vaalharts region are briefly described by refering to their general appearance, life cycles, feeding and pest status and economic threshold. For every pest various control options, including operational systems, crop cultivation, biological and chemical control, are discussed and, where applicable, illustrated by means of graphic presentations. The seasonal presence of the cirtrus pests in the Vaalharts region is tabulated and discussed individually. With these details as background, an insect pest management programme for citrus in the Vaalharts region is compiled. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die verbouing van sitrus in die Vaalhartsgebied is 'n redelik onlangse ontwikkeling. Gepaard met die nuwe gewas het daar ook 'n insekplaagkompleks in die gebied ontstaan. Die voorkoms van die plae is in elt .boorde, beplant met drie sitruskultivars en van verskillende ouderdomme, verspreid in die 300 vierkante kilometer verbouingsareaal, bestudeer. Elk van die boorde is weekliks ondersoek vir die aanwesigheid van plae deur van twee moniteringstegnieke gebruik te maak. Die tien belangrikste insekplae van sitrus in die Vaalhartsgebied word kortliks beskryf deur na hulle algemene voorkoms, lewenssiklus, voeding en plaagstatus en ekonomiese drempelwaardes asook die moniteringsmetodes wat gebruik is, te verwys. Vir elke plaag word beheeropsies, wat operasionele stelsels, gewasverbouing, bloloqlese en chemiese beheer insluit, bespreek wat, waar toepaslik, aan die hand van grafiese voorstellings gemustreer word. Die seisoenale aanwesigheid van die sitrusplae word in 'n tabel aangedui en individueel bespreek. Met die gegewens as agtergrond is 'n insekplaagbestuurprogram vir sitrus in die Vaalhartsgebied opgestel.
29

The biology, behaviour and survival of pupating false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a citrus pest in South Africa

Love, Claire Natalie January 2015 (has links)
Control of the citrus pest, false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is crucial for the South African citrus industry. The economic losses and phytosanitary status of this pest, coupled with increased consumer awareness and demands, has created a need for effective, IPM-compatible control measures for use against the soil-dwelling life stages of FCM. Promising developments in the field of microbial control through the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have highlighted the need for research regarding pupation biology, behaviour and survival of FCM, as a good understanding of biology of the target organism is an important component of any biological control programme. The aim of this study was to improve the current understanding of FCM pupation habits through the manipulation of soil texture class, ground cover, shading, soil compaction, air temperature, and soil moisture in the laboratory. These findings would then be used to aid the biological control programmes using EPF and EPNs against FCM in the soil. Three soil texture classes (sandy loam, silt loam and silty clay loam) were obtained from orchards for use in the study. FCM larvae were allowed to drop into the soil of their own accord and the pupation behaviour that followed was then captured on film with pupae formed in the soil being kept in order to measure adult eclosion. In general, very few abiotic factors had a clear influence on FCM pupation. Larval wandering time and distance was short, but also variable between individuals. Distance did increase when soils were moist. Pupation depth was shallow, with pupal cocoons generally being formed on the soil surface. Depth of pupation was less than one centimetre for all abiotic conditions, with little burrowing into soil. Eclosion success was higher for sandier soils when these were dry and uncompacted, but the addition of both moisture and soil compaction increased FCM eclosion success. FCM was sensitive to desiccation when the soils were dry and temperature limits of 15 °C and 32 °C had a strongly negative impact on eclosion success. Preferences for particular abiotic conditions were limited to only certain moisture conditions when interacting with soil texture class and a preference for pupating in soil when it is available. Limited preference was found for particular soil textures despite this having a strong influence on eclosion success, but individuals did appear to pupate in close proximity to one another. Viable direct habitat manipulation for FCM control could not be identified. These results and all of the abiotic variables measured have important implications for EPF and EPN application, survival and persistence in the soil in order to improve the ability of these biological control agents to control FCM. These are discussed in each chapter.
30

Biology of the oleander mealybug, Paracoccus burnerae (Brain) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Johnson, Todd 12 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MSc (Botany and Zoology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Chapter 1 - Mealybugs are tiny, soft-bodied insects which constitute the second largest scale insect family Pseudococcidae (Downie & Gullan 2004). The family comprises approximately 2000 species in 300 genera (Ben-Dov 1994), of which 20 species are pests of cultivated plants in South Africa (Annecke & Moran 1982). In South Africa, approximately 109 species of mealybugs have been recorded from 50 genera (Millar 2002). Chapter 2 - The effect of constant temperatures on the development, survival and fecundity of the oleander mealybug, Paracoccus burnerae on citrus was determined. Developmental time, rate of development, fecundity and survival were investigated at five constant temperatures and a 16L: 8D light: darkness regime. The rate of development increased linearly with an increase in temperature for the egg, 1st nymphal and pupal stages as well as the entire biological cycle (egg – adult), but was nonlinear for the 2nd and 3rd nymphal stages. Survival decreased with an increase in temperature. P. burnerae required 666.7 degree-days above a lower threshold of 8.7°C to complete one generation. The highest mean number of 68 eggs per female was reached at 22°C. A sex ratio of 0.52:0.48 (male:female) was obtained from the life table. The net reproductive rate (Ro) was >1 at all five temperatures, an indication that it is capable of increasing its population numbers despite the high mortality experienced in the 1st and 2nd nymphal stages. Chapter 3 - The oleander mealybug, Paracoccus burnerae (Brain) is a pest of citrus in South Africa. This study was carried out to determine the effect of temperature on development rate of P. burnerae and to investigate whether development rate is the reason why P. burnerae is out competing the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso), in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. The influence of temperature on life history traits of P. burnerae was determined at 20, 22, 25 and 27°C and compared with corresponding data for P. citri. The rate of development increased linearly with an increase in rearing temperature in the embryonic, first nymphal and pupal stages but reached a climax at 26.13 and 28.6°C in the second nymphal stage of both species, respectively. P. citri exhibited lower developmental thresholds except in first instar, shorter degree-days and higher developmental rates than P. burnerae. Results of the current study indicated that the dominance of oleander mealybug over the citrus mealybug is neither linked to developmental rates nor sum of effective temperatures. Chapter 4 - The importance of Paracoccus burnerae has risen over the years to an extent where it is now regarded as a quarantine pest for citrus fruit from South Africa. The field biology of P. burnerae on citrus in the Western Cape Province of South Africa was studied through periodic sampling of leaves from twigs enclosed in sleeve cages. The species composition and abundance of natural enemies was investigated. Both adult and immature stages attained maximum population peaks in March and P. burnerae had four generations. The highest level of mortality was experienced in the immature stages. Climate and an unidentified fungus were the key mortality factors. The level of abundance of the two observed predators, the harlequin beetle, Harmonia axyridis and the green lacewing, Chrysoperla sp. was relatively low. Although parasitism occurred in some cages, the level was low ranging between 1.62 to 9.43%. If biocontrol is the preferred method of controlling P. burnerae, suitable candidate parasitoids for inoculative biocontrol are Acerophagus sp., Leptomastix sp. and Microterys nietneri. The oleander mealybug does not share the same parasitoids with Planococcus citri, Pseudococcus calceolariae and Pseudococcus longispinus except the parasitoid Coccophagus sp. The most popular species of parasitoids used in the biolological control of mealybugs, Anagyrus sp. and Coccixenoides sp. were insignificant in the case of P. burnerae. Chapetr 5 - Biological control programs of mealybug species have relied on sprouting potatoes, pumpkins and butternut for rearing of both mealybugs and their natural enemies. In this study, the suitability of sprouting potatoes, butternuts and citrus as mass rearing substrates for the oleander mealybug, Paracoccus burnerae was investigated. Developmental times, rate and fecundity on each substrate were determined and compared at three different temperatures. The developmental time on sprouting potatoes was shorter than on citrus. P. burnerae was unable to complete its life cycle on butternut. The rate of development increased linearly with an increase in temperature on both sprouting potatoes and citrus. P. burnerae required 666.7 degree-days on citrus and 434.8 degree-days on sprouting potatoes above lower developmental thresholds of 7.6°C and 10.4°C respectively to complete one generation. The mean number of eggs per female was higher on sprouting potatoes (121.3) than on citrus (68), but declined with an increase in temperature from 22 to 27°C. Despite the shorter shelf life, sprouting potatoes are the preferred host for mass rearing of the oleander mealybug. Chapter 6 - general conclusions Chapter 7 - Researchers often present impressive results of their studies on the biology of the Coccoidea without mentioning the problems they came across and had to solve. In this paper the practical problems encountered during a study of the biology of the oleander mealybug, Paracoccus burnerae (Brain), an endemic pest of citrus in South Africa, are discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.

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