Developments in the control of coconut scale, Aspidiolus destructor sign in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Studies were commenced on an intensive biological control programme of the coconut scale, Aspidiotus destructor sign, in Sri Lanka. Out of the natural enemies of the coconut scale recorded, an aphelinid parasite Aphytis chrysomphali Mercet and two coccinellid predators, Chilocorus nigritus F. and Pullus xerampelinus Mulsant were found to be important, the latter being recorded for the first time from Sri Lanka. Other indigenous predators recorded for the first time are two coccinellids, Chilocorus circumdatus Sch., Pullus sp.? coccidivora Ayyar and a nitidulid Cebocephalus sp. Ch. nigritus and P. Xerampelinus were attacked byu parasites, Homalotylus flaminius sp. on H. flaminius was also recorded.