Ackonor, J.B. 2002 Current levels of incidence of parasitism and predation in Planococcus citri Risso (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in Ghanaian cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) farms.. Insect Science and its Application 22(2): 105-112.

Notes: From August 1988 to January 1997, natural enemies were reared from 335 colonies of P. citri sampled for 87 months from 225 randomly selected cocoa farms in the six cocoa-growing regions in Ghana. A total of 20,408 P. citri individuals were recorded, comprising adult females, third instar nymphs, and mummified individuals harbouring parasitoids. Observed predators were larvae of Coccodiplosis coffeae, nymphs and adults of Hyperaspis egregia, and Scymnus (Pullus) sp., as well as an unidentified lepidopteran. Twelve parasitic Hymenoptera were also reared, including Aenasius abengouroui, Leptomastix dactylopii, Anagyrus beneficians, Tropidophryne melvillei, Anagyrus amoenus and Chryptochetum (Lestophonus) spp. Also recorded were a hyperparasitoid, Cheiloneurus carinatus, parasitizing Coccodiplosis coffeae, Xyphigaster pseudococci, and six rare, undetermined parasitoids. Coccodiplosis coffeae was the most common parasitoid, occurring throughout the year and infesting 72.8% of the P. citri colonies. Parasitism levels were generally low, the highest mean being 4.6±2.6% for Aenasius abengouroui. Simultaneous parasitism by more than one species was common and this gave rise to mean monthly parasitism levels ranging from 0.8 to 4.5%. Aenasius abengouroui, Anagyrus amoenus and H. egregia are thought to be reported for the first time in P. citri on cocoa in Ghana, and the recovery of L. dactylopii suggests its establishment in the country, where it was introduced in 1949.