Gautam, R.D. 1997 Use of exotic coccinellids for the management of hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) in the Caribbean region.. Proceedings of the 1st Seminar on the Hibiscus mealybug. Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. Research Division. MALMR. Centeno (Trinidad and Tobago)

Notes: [Conference: 1. Seminar on the Hibiscus Mealybug. Farmers' Training Centre, Centeno (Trinidad and Tobago). 12 Apr 1996.] The paper provides an overview of the Coccinellid predators commonly known as ladybirds starting from introduction of 600 adults each Cryptolaemeus montrouzieri Mulsant, Scymnus coccivora Aiyar and Nephus regularis Sicard into Trinidad (Caribbean region) from India. Their attributes, acclimatization, quarantine handling and shipment in the light of the FAO code of conduct for the import and release of bioagents is discussed. It also examines the requirements of staff and infrastructure facilities for establishing an ideal multiplication centre, its role in training the staff, supply of nucleus culture, need basic research studies and inoculative releases. It emphasizes the role of "Field-Multiplication Centres" needed for inundative releases. Several parameters pertaining to the selection of site for inoculative releases, recovery of ladybirds and training of staff have been addressed. Successful releases of C. montrouzieri and S. coccivora made in the selected areas of Trinidad and Tobago.