Citrus Integrated Pest Management in Italy

Abstract

Abstract. Main insect pests of citrus in Italy are presented, with details on their biology and main natural enemies. They are the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii, the Oleander scale, Aspidiotus nerii, the Citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri, the Citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. Management of A. aurantii is generally based on integrated control strategies supported by a monitoring system through pheromone traps. Natural enemies include predatory beetles and endoparasitoids. Aspidiotus nerii is controlled by predatory beetles and Aphelinid parasitoids. Management relies on pruning, chemical control and monitoring through sticky tapes. Several predators (spiders, true bugs, lacewings and ants) feed on P. citrella, with over 90 parasitoid species. Natural enemies of P. citri include predators and endoparasitoids, which provide satisfactory control. Ceratitis capitata is the main pest of citrus; biological control with parasitoids had limited success. Its populations are limited by microorganisms and occasional predators, cultural methods, chemicals and attractive traps. Management and control of secondary pests of citrus, like whiteflies, some scales and moths, are also discussed.

Life history traits of the coccinellids Scymnus subvillosus and S. interruptus on their prey Aphis spiraecola and A. gossypii: Implications for biological control of aphids in clementine citrus

“…Aphids are considered to be major pests in citrus crops. The two most important species associated with Mediterranean citrus agroecosystems are Aphis spiraecola Patch and A. gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (Zappalà, 2010;Tena and Garcia-Marí, 2011;Hermoso de Mendoza et al, 2012;Lebbal and Laamari, 2016). Both species develop and feed exclusively on young, tender citrus vegetation (flush shoots).…”

Uniformity of petroleum-derived spray oils: lethal and sublethal effects on a herbivore pest and its parasitoid

“…This risk determination is especially important for citrus where most of the key and secondary pests have a wide range of natural enemies (Tena & Garcia‐Marí, ; Tena et al ., ; Jacas & Urbaneja, ; Zappalà, ; Campolo et al ., ). Indeed, this also applies to one of citrus key pests worldwide, the California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), which also can be controlled by natural populations or augmentative releases of the parasitoid (Moreno & Luck, ; Murdoch et al ., ; Zappalà et al ., ).…”

The effect of biorational insecticides on the citrus aphids and their predator, Coccinella septempunctata L.

“…Nowadays, several groups of insecticides are being used against the main citrus pests (Tena and García-Marí, 2011;Urbaneja et al, 2012). Furthermore, especially in the case of clementines (Citrus clementina Hort.…”

“…ex Tan.) because of their tender flushes, citrus aphids and the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) are considered important pests Urbaneja et al, 2012).…”