Encapsulation and melanization. The mealybug defends itself against a natural enemy-but loses
The cassava mealybug has a defense mechanism against its natural enemy Epidinocarsis lopezi. When the female wasp lays its eggs inside the mealybug, the mealybug`s blood cells surround or encapsulate the parasitoid`s egg or larvae. This is followed by a hardening or blackening of the capsule, called melanization, resulting in suffocation and death. However, it seems that the mealybug`s blood cells are not capable of encapsulating several eggs or larvae so one survives to kill the mealybug. (CIAT)
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Journal Article biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1981
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| Subjects: | manihot esculenta, injurious insects, noxious animals, pests, phenacoccus, predators and parasites, biological control, |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/88485 |
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