Re: Cryptolaemus

John Taylor [The Banshee] (rphjt@minyos.xx.rmit.EDU.AU)
Thu, 16 Dec 93 08:20:13 +0000

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>Barry mentioned Cryptolaemus as a predator for mealy bug. I haven't tried
>it myself, but I have seen pictures. It's a beetle type creature which
>looks like a large lady bird/bug. The larva looks like the largest
>mealy bug you've ever seen! Both larva and adult are supposed to
>eat the mealies (not root mealies unfortunately).
>
>I have tried biological control for red-spider and thrips (not on the
>CP), but with limited success. I think that this works better for
>commercial growers with large areas under the same crop than in
>a small amateur greenhouse. Also it has to be part of an overall
>program, because you can't spray without killing the predators, so
>some other pest is likely to become a problem.

I've used ladybird larvae (apparently) successfully for aphids - but not on
CPs. Occasionally we get "outbreaks" of these beasties on particular plants
in the garden which we then transfer onto aphid-invested plants (especially
rose buds). Within a week (probably less) the aphids are reduced to little
dried husks. There may be other "predators" at work as well, but the desired
results are achieved. Now if we could only get something to attack those
leaf-hopper larvae...

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Maybe in reply to: Clarke Brunt: "Cryptolaemus"