Parasitoids of the Homoptera Citrus Pests in the Meta Department of Colombia

Abstract

Spanish

Studies about the presence of native parasitoids of Homoptera citrus pests were made during 1999 and 2000 in four production zones of the eastern plain piedmont, in the Meta Department of Colombia. The presence of 33 different parasitoid species of citrus pest was determined and their identification was done. Parasitoids are from Aphididae, Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae, Pteromalidae and Signiphoridae families. Results show that there are more parasitoids species in Saissetia sp. (eight species), followed by Coccus hesperidium (seven species), whiteflies (six species most of them associated with Aleurothrixus floccosus), and Lepidosaphes spp. (three species). Every parasitoids are widely spread and survive in all citrus areas in the Meta Department. Identifications provide with 24 new country records to Colombia, among the 33 reported beneficial species. In addition to this, there are tree species without description and it was registered tree hyperparasitoids species of the Signiphoridae family associated with whiteflies. The presence of this beneficial insects biodiversity, represent a high background of natural pest control and a great potential for biological management of citrus pests in the region.

Keywords

Citrus pest Natural enemies Beneficial insects Parasitoids

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