Effectiveness and Utilization

Abstract

Before discussing the economic significance and practical use of predaceous coccinellids, we should stress the great diversity of conditions under which biological control will be applied. The use of predaceous coccinellids for the control of pests differs with the climatic area (e.g. the contrast between temperate zone and the tropics and subtropics), with the type of prey (coccids, aphids, mites etc.) and habitat (orchard, field, glasshouse). A further important consideration is whether an indigenous or imported exotic prey is involved. Every situation has its specific problems which should be studied individually.