The control of mango scale in commercial orchards through the use of the predatory beetle, Cybocephalus binotatus.
Lagadec M. D. le
Author Affiliation: Merensky Technological Services, Mariepskop Estate, Private Bag X3009, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa.
: 509-515
Abstract : Mango scale insect, Aulacaspis tubercularis, is a major pest in South African mango orchards. Chemical control using organophosphates is effective but is not conducive to an IPM pest management system. C. binotatus, a predatory beetle of mango scale was introduced into South Africa in 1995 and has since become well established in the mango growing areas. The effectiveness of this predator in controlling mango scales was investigated during the 1999/2000 mango season. In a retrospective study of past Cybocephalus releases, trials carried out in insect-proof tents and large field trials revealed that the predator successfully controls scale populations to levels of 2-3% scale infestation. The beetles are mass feeders and require a substantial scale population to sustain themselves. Female predatory beetles produced only as many offspring as the scale population could support. Furthermore, the field trials indicated that the rate of scale population decline was somewhat independent of the number of predatory beetles released and remained reasonably constant. For effective scale control, it is recommended that between 500 and 1000 beetles be released per hectare of cultivated mangoes.