Investigation on the usage of Sympherobius pygmaeus (Rambur) (Neuroptera:Hemerobiidae) in Citrus orchards controlling of Planococcus citri (Rissio) (Hemiptera:Pseudococcidae)

In this study, the effectiveness of Sympherobius pygmaeus (Rambur) as a predator of Planococcus citri (Rissio) was investigated under laboratory and field conditions. Aphis gossypii, Ceroplastes floridensis, Aspidiotus nerii, Panonychus citri, and Planococcus citri as prey were given to S. pygmaeus and it completed development only on A. gossypii and P. citri at 25±1°C constant temperature and 6010 % relative humidity at the laboratory. At functional and numerical responses of S. pygmaeus were investigated on P. citri at different prey densities (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80). 60 prey densities were found the best for development and reproduction of S. pygmaeus. The prey preference of S. pygmaeus larvae on parasitized and non-parasitized mealybug nymph by Leptomastix dactylopii and Anagyrus pseudococci was determined that the S. pygmaeus didn't prefer parasitized mealybug. Population fluctuation of S. pygmaeus on P. citri population at the field conditions was observed in the three different grapefruit orchards (Mersin-Alata, Adana-Balcalı, and Hatay-Erzin) and the population of mealybug was suppressed within a short period by the S. pygmaeus at all orchards. When the S. pygmaeus and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri were compared on the orange and grapefruit trees in cages, S. pygmaeus was found a better predator to control of P. citri.