Apoanagyrus lopezi

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Apoanagyrus lopezi
Scientific classification
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A. lopezi
Binomial name
Anagyrus lopezi
De Santis, 1964
Synonyms

Epidinocarsis lopezi, Apoanagyrus lopezi(De Santis, 1964)

Anagyrus lopezi is a species of parasitic wasp native to Central America. It is used as biological control agent against the cassava mealybug ( Phenacoccus manihoti ).

The release of the parasitic wasp Anagyrus Lopezi, at a ceremony organised and hosted by the Thai Department of Agriculture in the country's northeastern Khon Kaen province. Wasp release (4808619915).jpg
The release of the parasitic wasp Anagyrus Lopezi, at a ceremony organised and hosted by the Thai Department of Agriculture in the country's northeastern Khon Kaen province.

Large-scale deployment of this [1] parasitoid was done in Africa [2] and was successfully achieved in Thailand and several other Southeast Asian countries in 2010. [3] [4]

In 2010, huge number (lakhs) of wasp were airdropped in Thailand to control mealy bug and the results were amazing.

In 1980 also these wasp were used to control mealy bug in cassava fields of west Africa and reduces pest population by 80–90%.

"African wasps let loose to save cassava". Bangkok Post.

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References

  1. T. W. Fisher; Thomas S. Bellows; L. E. Caltagirone; D. L. Dahlsten; Carl B. Huffaker; G. Gordh (1999). Handbook of Biological Control: Principles and Applications of Biological Control. Elsevier. p. 800. ISBN   9780080533018.
  2. Parasite Rex: Inside the Bizarre World of Nature's Most Dangerous Creatures (2001) ISBN   0-7432-0011-X
  3. "Scientists mount a 'sting operation' in Thailand to tackle a devastating pest outbreak". Physorg.com. 2010-07-16. Archived from the original on 18 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-16. Thailand's Department of Agriculture is expected to officially start the release of Anagyrus lopezi (the wasp's scientific name) as a form of biological control in the country's northeastern province of Khon Kaen....
  4. "Insektenplage in Thailand: "Killerkommando" auf dem Weg". n-tv (in German). 2010-07-16. Archived from the original on 18 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-16.