ABSTRACT
The objective of this research was to find an adequate a rearing method for Coccidophilus citricola Brèthes and its hosts Chrysomphalus aonidum Linnaeus and Aspidiotus nerii Bouché. Two varieties of squash ("Tetsukabuto" and "Menina Brasileira") were evaluated to verify which one would be the best to to be used in a mass rearing of the scales and the coccinelid. The development of A. nerii and C. aonidum on Tetsukabuto and the development of C. citricola on these scales were also compared. C. citricola was released in a citrus orchard highly infested by Selenaspidus articulatus Morgan (100 scales/leaf) and a comparison of 50 and 100 individuals released / tree was made. According to the results it was observed that: 1) There is no difference in the development of the coccinellid when reared on A. nerii or C. aonidum; 2) At an initial density of 30 individuals per squash, C. citricola has a better development; 3) "Tetsukabuto" variety is better than the "Menina Brasileira" variety to be used in the laboratory for a mass-rearing of the coccinellid; 4) C. aonidum showed a faster development on Tetsukabuto squash than did A. nerii; 5) Released in a high infestation of S. articulatus, the coccinellid at 50 or 100 individuals / tree was not able to decrease the pest population.
KEY WORDS:
Coccinellid; preadatory insects; scales; Chrysomphalus aonidum; Aspidiotus nerii; Selenaspidus articulatus.
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