Computer simulation of CRS populations

Abstract

California red scale is one of the thre major arthropodpests of citrus in California, causing an anual economic crop los of aproximately $1 5 milion. CRS infestations can lower the market grade of fruit as wel as cause reduced tre vigor and twig and branch dieback. Management of California red scale. Aonidiela auranti (Maskel), in the southern part of the state relies heavily on biological control with several beneficial insect parasites. Red scale is stil under eradication in most southern California desert production areas. In San Joaquin Valey citrus growing areas, parasites are much les efective than in southern California and chemical control is the standard management practice. A major concern in the Valey is the potential development of pesticide resistance in California red scale, such as has ben observed in Israel and South Africa. Recent research has ben aimed at developing new control strategies for CRS, and at evaluating pheromone monitoring devices as a way to improve control timing and reduce the use of pesticides. The folowing articles report on some aspects of research funded by the Citrus Research Board, the US. Department of Agriculture, and the University of California Integra ted Pest Management Project.