Longo, S., Mazzeo, G., Russo, A., & Siscaro, G. 1994a Aonidiella citrina (Coquillet) nuovo parassita degli agrumi in Italia. [Aonidiella citrina (Coquillet) a new pest of citrus in Italy.]. Informatore Fitopatologia 44(12): 19-25.

Notes: The diaspidid Aonidiella citrina is reported from Italy or the 1st time. It was recorded on orange (cultivars Moro and Tarocco) and on clementine in Calabria in 1992. Notes are given on its geographic distribution, hostplants, presence in Italy, morphology, biology, injuriousness and control. This pest is not considered to be as damaging to Citrus as A. aurantii, which already occurs in Italy. The results are presented of field studies conducted in Calabria in July and August 1994 to evaluate the density and composition of the population, and the effect of natural enemies. The aphelinid parasitoids Encarsia citrina, Aphytis melinus and an unidentified species of Aphytis gave a good level of natural control of Aonidiella citrina. The exotic coccinellid predator Chilocorus nigrita was released on heavily infested Citrus trees in July 1994. Winter treatments with mineral oil were effective in reducing populations of the diaspidid to below the economic threshold.