Jacas Miret, J.A., & Garcia Marí, F. 2001 Side effects of pesticides on selected natural enemies occurring in citrus in Spain.. Bulletin OILB/SROP (Sect. Reg. Ouest Palearctique) 24(4): 103-112.
Notes: [IOBC/WPRS Working Group 'Pesticides and Beneficial Organisms'. Proceedings of the meeting at Castelló de la Plana, Spain, 18-20 October, 2000, Vogt, Viñuela & Jacas (Eds.)] Spain is one of the largest producers of citrus for the fresh market worldwide (around 5.5 million tonnes in 1998), mainly oranges, tangerines and lemons. Many of our potential pests are kept under excellent (Icerya purchasi, Insulaspis gloverii) or satisfactory (Aleurothrixus floccosus, Panonychus citri, Chrysomphalus dyctiospermi, Coccus hesperidum, Ceroplastes sinensis, Planococcus citri, Saissetia oleae) natural control. Three scales are considered the key pests of citrus in Spain: Parlatoria pergandei, Cornuaspis beckii and Aonidiella aurantii. Besides, aphids (Aphis gossypii, A. spiraecola and Toxoptera aurantii), Tetranychus urticae and Phyllocnistis citrella may occasionally require special attention from the grower, and, because of quarantine regulations, Ceratitis capitata is subjected to mandatory control by governmental agencies. This means pesticides applied against these pests should be as harmless as possible against natural enemies responsible for natural control of the former group of phytophages. Side effect testing of pesticides with the most important natural enemies (Rodolia cardinalis, Cales noacki, Euseius stipulatus, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, and Leptomastix dactylopii) has been routinely done in Spain for many years. Results of both laboratory and field assays are presented and discussed.