A release container with the parasitic wasp, Acerophagus malinus, is placed near an apricot to entice the Comstock mealybug. Credit: L Seehausen, CABI

The parasitic wasp, Acerophagus malinus. Credit: L Seehausen, CABI

Silver fly - a predator of mealybug eggs. Photo credit: Tim Haye, CABI

Comstock mealybug. Photo credit: Tim Haye, CABI

Fruit orchard in Valais. Photo credit: Lukas Seehausen, CABI

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Project Overview

So, what’s the problem

The rise in international trade as well as global warming has recently increased the frequency of the introduction, and dissemination, of invasive species which endanger the fruit and vegetable production in Switzerland. One invasive pest is of particular concern to the arboreal profession: the Comstock mealybug (Pseudococcus comstocki).

The Comstock mealybug is originally from Asia but is already known as an invasive pest species around the world, including in France and Italy. In Switzerland, it was reported for the first time in 2016 when it was found in the canton of Valais, a canton known for its production of apricots, pears, and apples. Since then, the damage caused by this pest has gradually increased and threatens the economic sustainability of fruit producers.

The damage of the Comstock mealybug in orchards is mainly indirect due to an abundant secretion of honeydew which promotes the development of sooty mold that depreciates the fruits and weakens the tree.

Chemical control, with currently authorized products, has so far produced insufficient results. Therefore, other methods of control are needed to limit the damage and in the long term, integrative pest management including biological control methods will be necessary to fight this new invader.

What is this project doing?

The objectives of the project are to study the biology and population dynamics of the Comstock mealybug and its natural enemies that are already present in Swiss orchards.

Once predators or parasitoids are identified as suitable for use in a biological control programme, rearing techniques will be developed and efficiency tests will be conducted for a possible augmentative biological control programme.

Tests to control the mealybug with biopesticides will also be carried out, as well as experiments to sanitize field equipment to avoid spreading the pest further.