Searching for parasitoids of hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis Newstead (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): A factitious host and yellow pan trap survey

Citrus is one of the most economically important crops in Florida and is attacked by many invasive pests. One of these pests is hibiscus mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis Newstead). It has caused severe damage to citrus, and management has proved to be challenging. Biological control is a promising strategy for the management of this species, especially classical biological control. However, the mealybug parasitoids of south Florida are currently relatively unknown, hampering classical biological control planning efforts. To address this, we conducted a survey of the parasitic Hymenoptera of south Florida, with a focus on detecting potential parasitoids, native or introduced, that might already be present. From May through June 2024, three locations in two experimental citrus groves in St. Lucie County were sampled weekly. Within each location, two habitat types were sampled (experimental citrus groves and adjacent unmanaged wooded areas), using 1) a sentinel host consisting of a potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) infested with a known number of madeira mealybug (Phenacoccus madeirensis Green), used as a factitious host of the hibiscus mealybug, and 2) yellow pan trap containing soapy water. Three pairs of sampling devices were deployed for 48 hours. Sentinel hosts were monitored under laboratory conditions for 30 days post-deployment for parasitoid emergence. All specimens collected from sentinel hosts and yellow pan traps were preserved in 90% ethanol at -80℃ and identified. Differences in parasitoid detection between habitats and sampling methods are discussed in the context of ongoing classical biological control efforts.