Morais, M. 1997 Releases of the parasitic wasp Anagyrus kamali (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in the field to control the pink mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green (Hemiptera: Pseudoccidae) and preliminary results on efficacy.. Proceedings of the 1st Seminar on the Hibiscus Mealybug. Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources Centeno (Trinidad and Tobago)

Notes: [Conference: 1. Seminar on the Hibiscus Mealybug. Farmers' Training Centre Centeno (Trinidad and Tobago). 12 Apr 1996.] The parasitic wasp Anagyrus kamali was imported into Trinidad to control the pink mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus. Out of an initial shipment of approximately 1500 fertile females, 600 were released in 12 sleeve cages in urban areas on infested hibiscus plants to determine the ability of the wasp to survive under semi natural conditions in Trinidad and also to further augment the numbers of the wasps. The wasp bred very well in the sleeves with initial 50 females per cage producing between 150 and 500 individuals of both sexes. These were later released both in the laboratory for mass rearing and directly in the field at five sites. The reductions in the numbers of the various stages of mealybugs were recorded. Initial results are promising and indicate the wasp has the potential to significantly reduce populations of the pest.