Anagyrus vladimiri is a parasitic wasp widely used for the biological management of mealybugs, key sap-feeding pests in greenhouse, nursery, and protected crop production. This natural enemy helps suppress populations of citrus and vine mealybugs (Planococcus citri / Planococcus ficus), which can otherwise weaken plants, reduce quality, and increase disease risk.

In crop protection programs, Anagyrus vladimiri (sold as Citripar) plays an important role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by providing targeted control with minimal impact on people, plants, or non-target organisms.

Here’s What They Look Like at Different Stages of Their Life:

Because parasitic wasps are small and discreet, many new growers are unsure what to look for after release.

• Egg: Females insert a single egg inside a mealybug host. These eggs are not visible to the naked eye.
• Larvae: After hatching, larvae feed on the internal tissues of the mealybug, consuming it from within.
• Pupae (mummy): The mealybug’s body hardens into a swollen, discolored structure, referred to as a “mummy”, which houses the developing wasp. Adult wasps later emerge by chewing an exit hole at the posterior end of the mummy.
• Adult: Adults are small, with females about 1.5–2 mm long and brown with patterned antenna. Males are smaller and darker.

Why Growers Love It:

• Targets major mealybug pests like citrus and vine mealybugs.
• Parasitoid larvae kill hosts from within, interrupting reproduction and feeding.
• Adult wasps exhibit host-searching behavior that enhances effectiveness at low pest densities.
• Complements other biocontrol agents like mealybug predators (e.g., Cryptolaemus montrouzieri).
• Fits into IPM programs and reduces reliance on chemical controls.

Timing is critical to achieving success with parasitic wasps. They perform best when introduced before pests reach outbreak levels.

Preventive use:

• Introduce at the first signs of mealybugs, when conditions favor infestations or the same time of year the infestation has occurred previously.

Curative use:

• Introduce when there is a mealybug infestation
• Multiple releases will be required if pest pressure is high or crop is mature and dense.

Environmental Conditions:

• Performs best around 25°C, with activity decreasing below 13°C.
• At temperatures above 38°C, efficacy is reduced.
• Suitable for vegetables, ornamentals, herbs, and indoor plant production.

Note: Monitoring is essential. After 14-21 days from the first release, inspect leaves, petioles, and stems to determine if additional releases are required. Specifically look for adults and mummified mealybugs.

Proper release techniques ensure Anagyrus vladimiri establish quickly and begin controlling pests effectively:

1. Distribute the product: Use a pen or sharp tool to make a hole in the sticker on the lid. Use the label to hang the tube in the crop. Avoid direct sunlight. Leave tubes in the crop for at least two weeks.
2. Recommended density: Release rates typically range from 0.1 to 0.5 adults per m², depending on crop type, infestation level and crop stage.
3. Follow‑up releases: In curative situations or severe infestations, multiple releases, every 7–14 days often improves establishment and control.
4. Avoid interference: Do not release immediately before or after broad‑spectrum insecticide applications. If treatments are needed, choose only those compatible with beneficial insects.

Tips for Selecting Rate:

• For dense crops, high pest pressure or curative use → choose a higher rate and repeat releases, weekly or bi-weekly (every 7-14 days).
• For preventive use in low‑pressure crops → choose a lower preventative rate, and watch for product establishment.
• Always match release strategy to crop size, foliage density, pest risk, and environment.

Visual checks: After 14-21 days from the first release, inspect leaves, petioles, and stems to determine if additional releases are required. Specifically look for adults and mummified mealybugs.

Supplemental releases: If mealybug count remains high or increases, consider additional releases or review your IPM plan for gaps (e.g., residual pesticide effects, low humidity zones, new pest introduction).

Record‑keeping: Track release dates, environmental conditions, pest levels and predator observations to refine future programs.

What to Expect After Release:

• First week: Adult wasps begin parasitizing mealybugs.
• 2-3 weeks: Mealybug mummies become visible, indicating successful parasitism.
• Ongoing: New adult wasps emerge from mummies, continuing mealybug control across the crop.

Because parasitic wasps work biologically, control is progressive, not instant. Monitoring mealybug levels and mummy formation is the best way to track success.

• Hang release tubes where mealybug pressure is highest.
• Avoid placing in direct sun or wet spray areas.
• Control ants and other distractions that may interfere with parasitoid searching.
• Monitor sticky cards and leaf checks to time additional releases.