Rhodesgrass scale, Antonina graminis in Brazil. II. Introduction of Neodusmetia sangwani, natural enemy of rhodesgrass scale

Abstract

The Rhodesgrass scale, Antonina graminis Maskell, one of the most serious problems of forage grasses in Brazil, severely attacks many of the promising grasses of the country, as reported in Part I of this work. Chemical control of this pest is not economical due to the great cost of insecticide, labor and equipment, which would be needed on pastures. After evaluating the problem in detail it was decided that biological control appeared to be the most practical approach to the problem. The parasite Neodusmetia sangwani (Rao) was introduced into Brazil because it offered the greatest possibility of successful establishment and control. It is apparently giving good control of the scale in the Indian and African Continents as Rhodesgrass scale is not considered a problem in these areas where N. sangwani is established. This circumstantial evidence, along with that its spectacular control in Texas, gives the indication that it will do the same in Brazil. Annexed are instructions for the multiplication of this parasite both in the laboratory and in the field.