Biological Control of Rhodes-Grass Scale in Texas1

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Abstract
The degree to which Anagyrus antoninae attacks Rhodes-grass scale, Antonina graminis, in the south Texas area was found to vary considerably throughout the year and at various locations. The parasite could be recovered in a drouth area of King Ranch, Kingsville only after repeated releases during the period, October 1955 to January 1956. At several locations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, parasitism decreased during April and became progressively less to the point of being scarce during the summer months. The greatest extent of parasitism occurred during October to March. Parasites were more prevalent during periods in which temperatures seldom reached 90[degree]F. The low relative humidity in the summer and fall of 1956 was considered an important factor responsible for the low parasite activity during the fall. Laboratory tests showed that Marietta graminicola acted as a hyper-parasite of Rhodes-grass scale through A. antoninae. Several parasites of grass-infesting scale insects were introduced from France, but no recoveries have been made. Several predators of the scale were found.

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