Pre-release host range determination of the parasitoid allotropa burrelli for the biocontrol of pseudococcus comstocki in France

We performed no-choice tests to study the host range of the parasitoid Allotropa burrelli (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) for use against the Comstock mealybug, Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in Southern France. We tested three Pseudococcidae species as potential non-target hosts: two species from the same genus (Pseudococcus longispinus and Pseudococcus viburni) and Planococcus citri. Allotropa burrelli did not parasitize any of the non-target mealybug species tested. No attempt of oviposition was recorded for the three species tested during the first 20min of parasitoid release and no parasitism occurred in 6-8hr of exposure of the mealybugs to the parasitoid.