Abstract
Simple SummaryThe scale Physokermes hellenicus (Kozár & Gounari) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) benefits apiculture because it supplies bees with honeydew in Greek fir forests. However, there is limited literature available on its geographical distribution and level of infestation. Thus, in the current study, we investigated these issues in several mountains of Greece. Additionally, P. hellenicus infestation in combination with its natural enemies and honeydew production was monitored for a long period in three (Menalon, Parnis and Tymfristos) highland bee foraging areas. Overall, there was an extensive geographical distribution of the scale, which was negatively correlated with the latitude of the surveyed areas. A decline in P. hellenicus infestation in Menalon resulted in a reduction in honeydew production by this scale.The scale Physokermes hellenicus (Kozár & Gounari) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) has been recently included in the Greek entomofauna as a beneficial honeydew species. However, there are no adequate data about its geographical distribution and degree of infestation. Therefore, a study was conducted to examine these parameters in fifteen mountains of Greece. Furthermore, the monitoring of P. hellenicus infestation was carried out over a six-year period with regard to natural enemies and honeydew presence at three mountains (i.e., Menalon, Parnis and Tymfristos) that are traditional honeybee foraging areas. An extensive geographical distribution of the scale was negatively correlated with the latitude. Over the period of the study, P. hellenicus infestation exhibited a decreasing trend in the three mountains, which was more obvious at Menalon. The abundance of natural enemies of P. hellenicus, their effectiveness on honeydew excretion and the fecundity of P. hellenicus are discussed. The reduction in the honey produced at the Menalon mountain (a protected designation of origin product) could be attributed to the reduced presence of P. hellenicus in the fir forest. Among the other identified arthropods, Dreyfusia nordmannianae Eckstein (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) is reported for the first time infesting Abies cephalonica (Pinales: Pinaceae) in Greece. Furthermore, this species is reported for the first time as a co-parasite with P. hellenicus on A. cephalonica in Greece. Since D. nordmannianae is a serious pest, additional research is needed to determine its status in Greek fir forest ecosystems.
Highlights
Over the last two decades, studies on scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) of the Mediterranean basin have been intensified with remarkable findings [1,2,3,4,5]
Our findings indicate that P. hellenicus was not detected only in Ano Vrontous, Athamanika and Pindos out of the fifteen sampling mountains
The results of this study revealed that the scale P. hellenicus is the most widespread among Physokermes species found on fir forests in Greece
Summary
Over the last two decades, studies on scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) of the Mediterranean basin have been intensified with remarkable findings [1,2,3,4,5]. Female individuals of soft scale insects of the genus Physokermes (Hemiptera: Coccidae) resemble the axillary undeveloped shoots of plants commonly known as unarmored bud scale insects They are herbivore oligophagous insects that settle either on foliage or on branches and infest tree species mainly of the genera Abies, Pinus, Picea, Pseudotsuga (Pinales: Pinaceae) and secondarily of the genera Tsuga and Juniperus (Pinales: Pinaceae) [6]. Physokermes hemicryphus (Dalman) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and P. piceae (Schrank) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) are the most cosmopolitan species as they have been recorded in 25 and 26 different countries, respectively [6,7,8,9] In several countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Sweden and the USA, these insects are considered serious pests causing considerable primary damage on trees (i.e., reduction in shoot and needle growth, chlorosis and falling of leaves, drying of branches, partial or whole plant death). There are no data documenting that Physokermes spp. cause any growth malfunction to Abies spp. in Greece, even though they commonly occur on these tree species
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
