MEALY BUG PARASITE
LADYBIRD BEETLE’S USE The extent to which ladybird beetles are bred in California to wage war on the mealy bug, and the immense quantity of potatoes used to supply the mealy bug, is not generally known throughout. Approximately 10,000,000 ladybird beetles are required for liberation in the fields next season to combat the mealy bug insects in Los Angeles country. Officials at the insectary state that approximately 2,000 sacks of high-grade potatoes will be required in operating the two laboratories at Downey and Rivera. These will cost in the neighbourhood of £1,400. The potatoes are used in developing sprouts, on which mealy bugs are grown as food necessary to the production of the ladybird beetles. At an insectary 15,000 trays of host plant material have been planted, and before the insects are ready to he liberated another 9,000 trays will be sprouted. The peak production of ladybirds used as parasites in the field is reached during May and June. The insects have been of immense service in destroying the pest.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNAK19300607.2.209
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Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 992, 7 June 1930, Page 32
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173MEALY BUG PARASITE Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 992, 7 June 1930, Page 32
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