Biologia e Medicina

Abstrato

The taxonomic study of encyrtid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) of diaspidids from India

Anis SB

The Diaspidids (Homoptera: Diasapididae) attack variety of plants and fruit trees like mango, apple, peach, citrus and plants like rose, tea etc. by a constant sucking of plant juices. Their mode of feeding not only damages the plant but also causes secondary infections. The biological control of these diaspidids can be done by many Indian encyrtid parasitoids, the successful biological control programmes largely depend upon the correct identification of these parasitoid species, as well as their correct status (primary or secondary parasitoids). The sound taxonomic and biological knowledge regarding these parasitoids is needed before their recommendation in any biological control programme. In the present paper, a basic taxonomic study has been conducted to provide valuable information on Indian encyrtid parasitoids through keys, description, their host and distribution.