Biocontrol of Parabemisia myricae in Italy
The biological control of Parabemisia myricae (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) in Italy has given relatively successful results. In southern Italy several aphelinid species have adapted to this recent whitefly introduction and spontaneously live on them. Best biocontrol results were achieved by introducing, from Israel, a species of the genus Eretmocerus. Propagative releases of this species have been carried out in various citrus-growing areas in Sicily and Calabria and the species showed its capability to establish itself in all areas and to cause an average parasitation rate of 20-30%. It is thought that the parasite will soon control P. myricae very efficiently in Italy's citrus-growing areas.
Sources
Barbagallo, S.; Longo, S.; Rapisarda, C.; Siscaro, G. (1993) Status of the biological control against citrus whiteflies and scale insects in Italy.
IOBC/WPRS Bulletin 16(5), 109-115.