Vieites-Blanco, C., Retuerto, R., Lado, L.R., & Lema, M. 2020 Potential distribution and population dynamics of Pulvinariella mesembryanthemi, a promising biocontrol agent of the invasive plant species Carpobrotus edulis and C. aff. acinaciformis. Entomologia Generalis 40(2): 173 - 185
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Notes: The population dynamics of Pulvinariella mesembryanthemi was examined through a 2-year field study in four localities invaded by Carpobrotus taking into account climatic factors and biotic interactions. In the studied localities, this scale was bivoltine, reaching its highest densities in the warmer and drier months of summer and sharply decreasing in winter. Only in a specially sheltered locality (Mera) did the insect densities stay high throughout the year. Pulvinariella mesembryanthemi infestation increased necromass proportion of its host plant. However, Chalcidoidea parasites and Coccinellidae predators limited P. mesembryanthemi density, and therefore may restrict its efficiency as a biocontrol agent.
