Department of Entomology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 (Haryana), India
Online published on 6 May, 2013.
Role of ants in interfering with the biological control of mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley by its nymphal parasitoid, Aenasius bambawalei Hayat was studied on Abutilon indicum and Hibiscus rosa sinensis. P. solenopsis parasitization was higher (22.28 to 34.23%) in plants without ants as compared to those attended by them (2.11 to 34.23%). Importance of checking ants movement over mealybug colonies is highlighted for enhancing biological control of the pest.
Phenacoccus solenopsis, Aenasius bambawalei, ants, interference, biological control
