Biological control in Belize.

Abstract

Abstract Parasitoids were first introduced into Belize in 1969 for control of Anastrepha spp. fruit flies, but although this and other classical biocontrol attempts sometimes resulted in establishment, control was insufficient. During the same period, natural control of the West Indian cane fly was documented. In 2003, the International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA) built a laboratory for the mass production of the parasitoid Anagyrus kamali for biocontrol of the pink hibiscus mealybug. The pest was successfully brought under classical biocontrol in the entire country. The laboratory also provides the parasitoids to OIRSA member countries. Recently, classical biocontrol of the Asian citrus psyllid has been initiated and a mass rearing of Tamarixia radiata was started at the OIRSA laboratory for releases in Belize, as well as in other countries. An entomopathogenic fungus is currently being tested for control of the sugarcane froghopper.