An Eretmocerus Species, Parasitoid of Aleurocanthus spiniferus, Was Found in Europe: The Secret Savior of Threatened Plants

Gianluca Melone, Roberta Ascolese, Francesco Nugnes (), Francesco Porcelli, Carmelo Rapisarda, Alessia Farina, Ugo Picciotti, Francesca Garganese and Stefania Laudonia
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Gianluca Melone: Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
Roberta Ascolese: National Research Council, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, P.Le E. Fermi 1, 80055 Portici, Italy
Francesco Nugnes: National Research Council, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, P.Le E. Fermi 1, 80055 Portici, Italy
Francesco Porcelli: Department of Soil, Plant, and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy
Carmelo Rapisarda: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Applied Entomology Division, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia n. 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Alessia Farina: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Applied Entomology Division, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia n. 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Ugo Picciotti: Department of Soil, Plant, and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy
Francesca Garganese: Department of Soil, Plant, and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy
Stefania Laudonia: Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: This study focuses on the first detection in Europe of a parasitoid Eretmocerus sp. gr. serius (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on the Orange Spiny Whitefly, Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Through extensive field surveys, this study investigates the occurrence of the aphelinid in several regions across central and southern Italy. Different sites were monitored to investigate the Eretmocerus sp. gr. serius parasitization rate on A. spiniferus , shedding light on its potential as a biological control agent against the invasive whitefly pest. The research results offer a hopeful prospect for progressing sustainable and eco-friendly methods in handling A. spiniferus infestations in citrus crops, highlighting the importance of natural enemies in integrated pest management programs. The research emphasizes the importance of the recently discovered parasitoid for European agriculture, paving the way for inventive approaches in pest control and cultivation practices.

Keywords: biological control; invasive pest; natural enemies; OSW; pest control strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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