Exploitation of Chilocorus infernalis Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) for Suppression of the San Jose Scale, Diaspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Apple Orchards

Chilocorus infernalis Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was evaluated against San Jose scale in apple orchards at five locations in farmers' fields in Kashmir during 2008. The predator was released @ 20, 25, 30, 35/plant three times at 10 days intervals starting from 1^st week of June. The population of San Jose scale was recorded before release and a month after release from three apple trees at each location selected at random. All the four rates of release were effective for the control of the scale. Release of C. infernalis @ 35/plant significantly reduced the infestation of the San Jose scale in all locations of Kashmir.