Pseudococcid (Hemiptera) species injurious in fruit trees in Turkey and their natural enemies

Pseudococcid species, injurious in various fruit trees cause crop losses and quality. As a result of application of broad spectrum-pesticides in their management, secondary pest outbreaks arise and chemical pesticide residues occur on fruits Therefore, the role of biological control practices in mealybug management is important. In this review, mealybug species [Planococcus citri Risso, Planococcus ficus Signoret, Phenacoccus aceris Signoret, Pseudococcus comstocki Kuwana, Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni Tozzetti, Pseudococcus viburni Signoret, Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel and Nipaecoccus nipae Sulc (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)] in fruit trees in Turkey and studies on biological control agents have been compiled. According to the integrated control approach of these pests, initiatives on the augmentation of indigenous natural enemies should be supported, ant control should not be ignored, diversity of living environment should be increased and application of broad spectrum pesticides should be avoided. Selective pesticides should be preferred if necessary. In the absence of suitable natural enemy species in the environment, effective natural enemies should be introduced from other countries and released to the problematic regions. Consequently, the population density of the pest species should be reduced by environmental friendly effords