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 20 min of parasitoid release and no parasitism occurred in 6–8 hr of exposure of the mealybugs to the parasitoid.