This specification covers information on and the test method for determining the purity, sex ratio, and number of adults in shipments of the predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Order Coleoptera; Family Coccinellidae). Because the efficacy of the biological control of mealybug by C. montrouzieri depends on accurate release numbers, presence of male and female species, and absence of live product contaminants, accurate packaging and maintenance of purity and viability of C. montrouzieri shipments is, therefore, essential for the effective management of the target pests. This specification is intended for use by producers and end-users of the specified biological control agent.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

Significance and Use

The efficacy of mealybug control by C. montrouzieri depends on accurate release numbers of beetles, presence of male and female beetles, and absence of live product contaminants. Accurate packaging and maintenance of purity and viability of C. montrouzieri shipments is, therefore, essential for the effective management of the target pest. This test method is intended for use by producers and end-users of the specified biological control agent. It is complementary to the quality guidelines for Cryptolaemus montrouzieri .

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers information on and the test method for determining purity, sex ratio, and number of adults in shipments of the predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E2200 Specification for Information Included with Packaging of Multi-Cellular Biological Control Organisms

Keywords

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri; mealybugs; predatory beetle;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 07.080 (Biology. Botany. Zoology)

Citing ASTM Standards

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