Biological Characteristics of the Mealybug Trabutina serpentina in Southeastern Kazakhstan and its Use as Biological Control Agent of Saltcedars (Tamarix spp.)

Mealybug Trabutina serpentina has two generations in southeastern Kazakhstan. Second instars of the second generation overwinter. Between 2003 and 2005, for the second time in 50 years, a large reproduction of this pseudococcid was seen in the Ile River valley. This species should be removed from the list of potential biocontrol agents for Tamarix ramosissima that are considered suitable in the USA, due to its potential to harm American populations of T. aphylla. Nonetheless, the species might be used for biological control of tamarisk in South Africa, Australia, and other countries.