Product Information

Anagyrus pseudococci

Scientific Name:

Family: Encrytidae
Genus: Anagyrus
Species: pseudococci

Common Name: Anagyrus or Vine Mealybug (VMB) Parasitoid

Host Pest: Vine Mealybug (Planococcus ficus), Citrus Mealybug (Planococcus citri)

Host Plants: Grapes, Citrus

Life Stages Shipped: Adult Females

Development: The adult female wasp stings the host mealybug and lays an egg in it. Once the host mealybug is stung, it will no longer feed on the plant tissue and become sluggish. The young parasitoid larvae will consume the host mealybug from the inside out, and then emerge from the depleted mealybug carcass as an adult wasp. Anagyrus has complete metamorphosis [egg, larva (5 instars), pupa, adult].

Environment: Temperature range for oviposition (or stinging of mealybugs) to occur > 57° F; optimal range 65 to 93° F and for wasp larvae to develop: 53 to 97° F

Pesticides: Use may not be compatible. Request technical information on specific pesticides.

Release:

• Release rate: 500 female wasps/acre; release one per month from April thru August; 2,500 total wasps/acre for the growing season
• Release timing: Anagyrus will attack 2nd instar through adult VMB. Anagyrus can be released once the mealybugs begin moving from protected locations on the vine to more exposed locations.
• Release method: Open vial and gently tap out a few wasps per vine within the release area.
  Upon receipt, release parasitoids as soon as possible.

Can be used in combination with the mealybug destroyer beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Storage: Keep parasitoids cool while holding before release, but do not place in refrigerator. Keep boxes out of direct sunlight.