Mass-release and adaptation of Chilocorus nigritus (Fabricius)(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Abstract

Abstract: Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is one of the mostimportant pests on citrus. Although red scale has natural enemies in the East MediterraneanRegion of Turkey, they are not sufficient to control the pest. Chilocorus nigritus (Fabricius)(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which is an effective predator of red scale in different regionsof the world, was imported from California, USA to Adana, Turkey. In this study, the mass- rearing of C. nigritus was carried out in a climate control chamber and its adaptation to A.aurantii in citrus orchards was investigated in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkeybetween 2001 and 2004. In order to determine the extent of adaptation of C. nigritus, its adult and egg stageswere released into citrus orchards infested with scale insects. After a certain time therelease, there were no predators detected. Furthermore, predators reared in cages undersemi-field conditions were able to survive in summer but in winter no individuals survived.It was therefore concluded that C. nigritus could not adapt to the citrus orchards of EastMediterranean Region of Turkey.