Abstract
The study was conducted In Kalamata, Messinia, province of the Peloponnese, where infestations of Pseudauacaspis pentagona (Targioni Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) were found on kiwi trees Actinidia deliciosa (Actinidiaceae), peach trees Prunus persica (Rosaceae) and mulberry trees Morus alba (Moraceae). Data on biology and ecology of the scale were recorded by samplings of infested branches of mulberry trees and by examining them in the laboratory, during the years 2016-2018. Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is an oviparous and amphigonic species. The fecundity of the scale fluctuated between 97 and 133 eggs per female. In the area of Kalamata it completed 3 generations per year and overwintered as mated pre-ovipositing female. The main natural enemies of P. pentagona recorded in the area of Kalamata are the coccinellid predators: Chilocorus bipustulatus (L.) and Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell.
Highlights
The scale insect Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a polyphagous species, which originated from Asia (Japan or China) and it is widespread worldwide
Pseudaulacaspis pentagona was found in the area of Kalamata infesting kiwi trees Actinidia deliciosa (Actinidiaceae), peach trees Prunuspersica (Rosaceae) and mulberry trees Morus alba (Moraceae)
Individuals of larvae and adults of the coccinellid predators Chilocorus bipustulatus (L.) and Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell were observed on the examined infested samples during June and September in both years of the study
Summary
The scale insect Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a polyphagous species, which originated from Asia (Japan or China) and it is widespread worldwide It has been recorded in 110 countries on 221 host plant species, belonging to 85 plant families. United States of America: Florida, Carolina, Virginia, in Mediterranean coast and adjacent areas, in Asia: Taiwan, it is considered as one of the main insect pests of fruit trees and ornamental plants, causing serious economic damage [1]. It completes 2 to 4 generations per year in several countries, depending on the climatic conditions and the host plant species. Regarding the phenology of P. pentagona, the scale completes 2 generations per year in Switzerland [2], 4 generations in northern Florida [3], 3 in Virginia and 3 in Maryland [4], 4-5 in Bermuda [5], 3 in the Mediterranean part of France and Italy [1, 6], 3 in Romania [1], 3-4 in Turkey [1, 7]; 3 in Russia [8] and 3 in Japan [9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
