Exclusion of Mediterranean ant species enhances biological control of the invasive mealybug Delottococcus aberiae in citrus.

This work corroborates that D. aberiae benefits from its mutualistic relationship with L. grandis likely because the presence of ants reduced the abundance of generalist predators. This mutualism can be disrupted using physical barriers in the trunk. Further research should assess other methods of ant control that are more economic and feasible for citrus producers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.