Mass Rearing of Mealybug Predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on two Mealybug Species, Planococcus minor and Pseudococcus viburni

Mealybug predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is an effective biocontrol agent against various species of mealybugs. This study was aimed to develop a protocol for mass production of C. montrouzieri with the aid of two mealybug host species; Planococcus minor and Pseudococcus viburni, under laboratory conditions. The predator was reared on P. minor and P. viburni, using two substrates; local pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and Malaysian pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima). The incubation period of eggs, durations of first instar larvae and pupae of C. montrouzieri were significantly different with two host species (p<0.05). Production of C. montrouzieri was significantly vary (F_(1,12) = 75.32, p<0.001) with the two pumpkin varieties. Production of C. montrouzieri was significantly higher with local pumpkins; C. moschata (t₍₁₄₎ = 6.11; p<0.05). The results indicated that, by starting the culture with 20 females and 15 males of C. montrouzieri, an average of 300.3 ± 41.8 and 180.4 ± 36.5 C. montrouzieri adults can be produced using two pumpkin varieties: C. moschata and C. maxima, respectively (surface area 1000 cm²). Production of C. montrouzieri was significantly varied with the number of grooves appear on the surface area (1000 cm²) of the pumpkin variety, C. maxima with the two host P. minor (R²= 0.9608, F_(1,2) = 49.06, p<0.05) (Y = 7.326*X + 41.02) and P. viburni (R²= 0.9470, F_(1,2) = 35.76, p<0.05) (Y = 15.14*X – 53.22). Cost of production for a single C. montrouzieri, with the host P. minor reared on local pumpkin, C. moschata was found to be the lowest. It can be concluded that the selected mealybug species reared on C. moschata was more suitable for mass rearing the mealybug predator.