Biological Control of Citrus Blackfly 1 in Southern Florida 2

Abstract

Prior to parasitoid establishment, citrus blackfly (CBF), Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, averaged 40–60 live nymphs/infested leaf. Parasitoid-induced mortality reduced the infestation 98% to a level of one infested leaf during an 8-mo period. The current density of immature CBF averages 8±5/infested leaf and has been maintained at that level or lower for 18 mo. Life tables show that parasitoid-induced mortality is the critical factor responsible for the decline in CBF numbers and for the continued regulation of the CBF population at its present level.