Cypress aphid(Cinara cupressi)damage to a cypress(Cupressus lusitanica)stand in Kenya

Abstract

Abstract A stand of Cupressus lusitanica planted in Kenya in 1927, was monitored during 1992 and 1993 to assess damage caused by Cinara cupressi (Homoptera: Aphididae), a pest first reported in the country in 1990. Damage for each of the 603 trees was scored on a five point scale on six occasions. The mean damage score for the stand decreased during the study. Some trees showed little or no damage throughout the study, many trees showed partial or total recovery, while some trees never recovered and died. At the last assessment 12% of the trees were dead. The data indicate the need for careful monitoring of stands before a decision to clear fell is made, particularly as some trees initially in the highest damage category were observed to recover. These observations should be repeated in younger trees and in different areas.