Biology and Medicine

Abstrait

Aphelinid parasitoids (Hymenoptera; Aphelinidae) of whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) from India

*Begum S, Anis SB, Farooqi MK, Rehmat T, Fatma J

Whiteflies are detrimental pests attacking a wide variety of agricultural crops and ornamental plants predominantly in the tropics and subtropics (Martin et al. 2000). They are primarily the pest of vegetables, cotton, citrus, sugarcane etc. Both nymphs and adults cause damage to plants by sucking their sap, adult flies are considered a vector of many plant viral diseases. Several methods have been used to control these damages such as chemical and biological methods. The family Aphelinidae, forming an important group of parasitic hymenoptera which are considered as one of the useful biocontrol agents of economically important pest species like coccoids, aphids and aleyrodids (whiteflies). In the present study, two aphelinid primary parasitoids (Eretmocerus, Encarsia) and one secondary parasitoid (Ablerus) have been mentioned which helps in the management of whiteflies population, among them genus Encarsia is extensively used in controlling many species of whiteflies. Keys are also provided for correct identification of the Indian genera of aphelinid parasitoids of aleyrodids. Hence, any success or failure in any biocontrol programme depends on the correct identification of the host and its parasitoid, incorrect identification leads to waste of years, labor and loss of money. Therefore, correct identification is essential to achieve successful control measures.