Which insect wiped out the California citrus industry in the mid 1800s?

zbeckabee

Biological control is used with practically all citrus grown in Southern California. I don't know about "wiped out," but, the industry was threatened back in the 1800s by cottony cushiony scale (Icerya purchasi), an insect native to Australia. In response, growers introduced a predatory insect, the vedalia beetle (Rodolia cardinalis), and the parasitic fly (Cryptochaetum iceryae), both from Australia. Within a few years the cottony cushiony scale was completely controlled by these natural enemies. Today, the citrus industry controls another scale insect, red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), with assistance of parasitic wasps (Aphytis melinus and Aphytis lingnanensis) that lay their eggs on the insect. http://www.practicalwinery.com/septoct02/septoct02p32.htm Jul 26 08, 7:38 PM