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Scouting Citrus for Pests - Page 35
Types of Biological Control Agents:
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Predadores
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Parasitoides
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Pathogenes
Biological control is the most important control strategy in Florida citrus. Since most citrus pests are from Asia, their most effective natural enemies have been brought from there (“classical” biological control). Natural enemies can be conserved through reduced pesticide use, use of selective pesticides, and by providing them alternate habitat and food sources. They can be classified in 3 broad categories: Predators that must consume numerous prey to complete development and include ladybeetles (large orange type) adults and larvae, lacewing larvae including trash bugs, syrphids (hoverfly) larvae, ants, spiders and others. Parasitoids that are usually small wasps or sometimes flies and lay eggs on or in the host where larvae develop. Pathogens
that are microorganisms including nematodes, fungi, bacteria and viruses that attack pests. These natural enemies represent the next trophic level utilizing plant-eating pests for food and thus helping to maintain a healthy equilibrium in the grove. Scouts should become aware of natural enemies and learn to evaluate there populations or incidence as an important indicator of grove health and resiliency.
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