Natural parasitisation by the exotic parasitoid, Leptomastix dactylopii Howard on Planococcus citri (Risso) infesting custard apple

The citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) was found in large numbers infesting custard apple at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research Farm, Bangalore during August-October 2004. Sampling of infested custard apple fruits during this period revealed the presence of Leptomastix dactylopii Howard. Adult parasitoids were recovered after five years of its release in 1983 and again in 2004 in the present study indicating the permanent establishment. In general, the activity of parasitoids particularly on mealybugs on custard apple was very low. The natural parasitisation by L. dactylopii ranged from 0.41 to 2.72 per cent but the presence of L. dactylopii indicated that there is some scope of exploiting L. dactylopii in the suppression of P. citri infesting custard apple.