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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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Sullivan, D.J.
Format: Journal Article biblioteca
Language:English
Published: 1981
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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