ANA-TEC
The parasitic wasp, Anagyrus vladimiri, is a common biological control agent that has been used with great success for many years. This parasitic wasp effectively controls its mealybug target in many different crops making it an essential tool in mealybug control programs.
Targets
ANA-TEC targets a variety of mealybug species including the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri), vine mealybug (Pseudococcus ficus), grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus), obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni) and the oleander mealybug (Paracoccus burnerae).
Description
Anagyrus vladimiri is an endoparasitoid of mealybugs in a variety of crops. The male and female A. vladimiri differ from one another (sexual dimorphism). The larger female is 1-2mm in length, brown in color with white antenna that have a distinctive black bulge close to the head. The male is about 0.8mm in length, black in color and has long black filament filled antenna.
Crops
ANA-TEC is well adapted to many different crops and cropping systems and can be used in most fruit tree orchards and protected vegetable and ornamental crops such as citrus, pome fruit, vines, blueberries, and sweet peppers.
Lifecycle and Biology
Anagyrus vladimiri targets 3rd instar nymph to adult female mealybugs. The female A. vladimiri inserts the ovipositor into the appropriate mealybug host laying an egg into the body of the mealybug, sometimes the egg is encapsulated by the mealybug leaving a distinct black spot, this is a sure sign of parasitoide activity.
After hatching the larva consumes the entire content of the mealybug while growing through five larval instars, it then pupates within the dried-out mealybug, this is also revered to as the “mummy”. After 15 days the adult wasp hatches from the pupa, mates, and continues to lay eggs.
About three weeks after application, mummified mealybugs should be visible in the field as a sign of successful establishment and ongoing control by A. vladimiri.
It takes Anagyrus vladimiri roughly 15 days to complete its life cycle from egg to adult and the adult wasp has an average life span is 7-14 days during which a female can produce up to 30 offspring. The duration of all life stages is dependent on the ambient temperature. The upper and lower temperature tolerance of A. vladimiri is roughly 13°C and 35°C respectively and the optimal temperature is 25°C.
ANA-TEC as a product
- 250/500 mummies in biodegradable packaging with an inert carrier.
- ANA-TEC is packed in Insectec’s biodegradable packaging made of cardboard and biodegradable white lids, reducing waste in the agricultural system.
Storage
- ANA-TEC will reach you in a sealed Styrofoam box with the appropriate cooling inside, the box should be kept sealed until you are ready to apply the product.
- If ANA-TEC is not applied immediately the box should be kept in a cool room. Do not keep ANA-TEC for longer than 24 hours before application.
- DO NOT REFRIGERATE OR FREEZE
- Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Do not store close to chemical pesticides.
Application
ANA-TEC has a simple and fast in field application method:
Step 1: Find the right spot – inside the tree or crop in as little sun as possible.
Step 2: Use the elastic band to attach the container to a sturdy perch.
Step 3: Remove the sticker from the emergence hole to allow the wasps to fly out.
Step 4: Make sure the emergence hole is facing slightly upward to prevent the content from blocking the hole.
Release rates and Frequency
|
|
Release rate/ha |
Frequency |
|
Preventative |
500 |
X2 |
|
Light curative |
1000 |
X2 |
|
Medium curative |
2 500 |
1×1 500 + 1×1000 |
|
Heavy curative |
1 500 |
X2 |
**This is a guideline only. Release rates and frequencies might differ depending on mealybug species, type of crop, geographical area, and time of year.
Benefits of using ANA-TEC
- ANA-TEC is target specific, ensuring that no unwanted non-target effects occur.
- ANA-TEC has the ability to reach mealybug in hard-to-reach places.
- Safe for humans and the environment, making it a sustainable crop protection method.
- Can be used in open field systems and in greenhouses or netted structures
- Because of the well-developed search capability of the parasitoid, it is possible to effectively use this product at low infestation levels, giving you the opportunity to act early.
Tips
- ANA-TEC can be used in conjunction with many chemical pesticides but it is always best to consult with your Insectec field advisor before using any of these products.
- Control ants before introducing ANA-TEC to the crop.