Biological control of the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti by the exotic parasitoid Epidinocarsis lopezi in Africa

Abstract

Since its accidental introduction into Africa, the cassava mealybug (CM) has spread to about 25 countries. The specific parasitoid Epidinocarsis lopezi , introduced from South America, its area of origin, into Nigeria in 1981, has since been released in more than 50 sites. By the end of 1986 it was established in 16 countries and more than 750 000 km ² . In southwestern Nigeria, CM populations declined after two initial releases, and have since remained low. During the same period, populations of indigenous predators of CM , mainly coccinellids, have declined, as have indigenous hyperparasitoids on E. lopezi , because of scarcer hosts. Results from laboratory bionomic studies were incorporated into a simulation model. The model, field studies on population dynamics, and experiments excluding E. lopezi by physical or chemical means demonstrate its efficiency, despite its low reproductive potential.