Dysmicoccus Brevipes Research Articles

Control of Dysmicoccus brevipes mealybugs associated with pineapple wilt disease is possible with systemic acquired resistance (SAR) of the ‘MD-2’ cultivar

Control of <i>Dysmicoccus brevipes</i> mealybugs associated with pineapple wilt disease is possible with systemic acquired resistance (SAR) of the ‘MD-2’ cultivar

Evaluation of host plant species for a trap cropping strategy in integrated pest management of pineapple mealybug (Dysmicoccus brevipes)

Pineapple mealybugs are responsible for the emergence of pineapple wilt disease and the subsequent transmission of the pineapple disease virus. This study aimed to evaluate the alternate host plants as potential trap crops for pineapple mealybug. A total of nine host plant species, banana, pumpkin, roselle, hibiscus, ground fig, okra, java grass, goose grass and rhodes grass were selected for the study. Thirty adult females of pineapple mealybug were reared on a pumpkin for two months. Three replicates of a plot (area covered with black netting measuring 3 m × 3 m) were set up. Nine host plant species, approximately 2–3 feet in a 16 inch × 16 inch polybag were arranged in a circle around the pumpkin. The effectiveness of the host plant species was determined by calculating the infestation of each plant species for six months (with two-week observations). Our findings revealed that the pineapple mealybug prefers banana with the greatest mean and SD value (621.7±172.7), followed by pumpkin (237.0±45.6) and the lowest one is rhodes grass (2.00±26.5). ANOVA results show that there is a significant difference between host plant species (F-value of 26.87 and a P-value &lt; 0.00). The observations suggest that banana has the potential to be utilized as trap crops for pineapple mealybug, and can be considered in IPM strategy to control pineapple mealybug.

Bio-efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi and vegetable oils against the pink pineapple mealybug: Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell)

Bio-efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi and vegetable oils against the pink pineapple mealybug: Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell)

Coccinellid predators of mealybugs infesting banana in South India, including a new species and a new record of Scymnus Kugelann (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), with notes on other natural enemies.

Several species of mealybugs infest various parts of bananas and plantains including foliage, fruits, rhizome and roots in all the major banana growing regions of India and cause moderate to occasionally serious damage but systematic attempts at documenting the mealybug pests of banana and their natural enemies are lacking in India. In this study, mealybugs infesting bananas and plantains in Tamil Nadu, South India, are documented along with their coccinellid predators and other natural enemies. The exotic Jack Beardsley mealybug, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller, was found to be a major pest of banana bunches in all localities surveyed in Tamil Nadu and the grey pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley, was a serious pest in some isolated pockets. Three coccinellids, Scymnus (Pullus) coccivora Ramakrishna Ayyar, Nephus regularis Sicard and Slipinskiscymnus saciformis (Motschulsky) were found to be the major predators of all species of mealybugs. Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius) was predatory on solenopsis mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) only and Hyperaspis maindroni Sicard was associated with solenopsis mealybug and pink pineapple mealybug (Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell)). One new species, Scymnus (Pullus) spicatus sp. n., is described as a predator of Jack Beardsley mealybug and striped mealybug (Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell)). Scymnus (Pullus) syoitii Sasaji, 1971, a Japanese species, is recorded for the first time from India as a predator of banana root mealybugs in Tamil Nadu and on Planococcus citri (Risso) in Karnataka. Brief notes on the other natural enemies of banana mealybugs are also given with illustrations.

Pest Status, Damage and Biology of an Invasive Pink Pineapple Mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockrell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Sweet flag (Acorus calamus Linn.): First Report in India

Acorus calamus Linn is a medicinal plant that also has pesticidal properties, primarily against storage pests of agricultural commodities. The creeping rhizomes are the economic part of the plant and are in high demand in Ayurvedic medicine preparation. So far, the pest attacks have not posed a major issue in terms of the economic yield of the plant. In 2022, the presence of an invasive pest, Dysmicoccus brevipes Cockerell, was recorded in the rhizosphere of sweet flag plants maintained at the Pepper Research Station campus, Panniyur, Kannur, Kerala, India. The polyphagous pest has expanded its host range on A. calamus. The pest attack was recorded from February 2022 onwards, which was the world's first report. Its biology was evaluated in the laboratory, and it was found that the pest is a parthenogenetic race with an average life cycle of 59±2.26 days and a fecundity range of 30-74 offspring per adult. Future research should focus on bio-intensive sustainable management packages to protect the IUCN-red list categorized sweet flag from extinction.

Ecologically Based Management of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt: Controlling Dysmicoccus brevipes Mealybug Populations with Salicylic Acid Analogs and Plant Extracts

Mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) is a destructive disease worldwide caused by a parasitic complex that includes Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated Viruses (PMWaVs) and mealybugs (Dysmicoccus brevipes), which concurrently act as vectors for these viruses. Reducing the mealybug population is key to managing MWP, which is achieved in intensive production systems through the use of insecticides. SA (salicylic acid), ASM (acibenzolar-S-methyl), BABA (β-aminobutyric acid), and MeSA (methyl salicylate) are key components of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), the defense mechanism of plants against biotrophic agents such as mealybugs. In this study, these compounds were applied either as pure chemicals and/or as a major constituent of plant extracts. Both the Hawaiian hybrid MD-2 and Queen Victoria tissue culture plants, as well as suckers used for vegetative propagation, were treated with these compounds by direct application on the soil of pineapple pots. Subsequently, five mealybugs were released on each plant or each daughter plant in case of a transgenerational experiment; then, after 45 days, the number of mealybugs was counted. Exogenous SA, ASM, and MeSA reduced the population of mealybugs by a minimum of 50% and up to 80%. These SAR-inducing treatments could be an interesting alternative for controlling mealybugs and are already used in other pathosystems. The SAR mechanisms behind this effect are yet to be confirmed by molecular and enzymatic markers. ASM and MeSA are promising treatments for pineapples using tissue culture plants or traditional shoots.

Determination of Mealybug Population Density for Transmission of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt Disease in Central Uganda

Pineapple mealybug wilt disease (PMWD) is a complex and most destructive viral disease constraining pineapple production world over. Pineapple mealybug wilt disease is transmitted by mealybugs (Dysmicoccus species). Currently, in Uganda, the population of Dysmicoccus brevipes that can transmit PMWD is not known. Yet, closing this knowledge gap would provide a better understanding of PMWD etiology and development of sound management strategies. Experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications in the screenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyambogo University during the period 2017 and 2018. Pineapple variety Smooth Cayenne was inoculated with five levels of viruliferous mealybugs including one (1), five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), and a control (uninoculated). Data collection commenced on symptoms appearance and continued on a 15-day interval for a period of two months. Data were collected on the incidence and severity of PMWD. All the data collected were analysed using Genstat computer programme. Results showed that the number of mealybugs significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected the incidence and severity of PMWD during both trials. Although one viruliferous mealybug was able to transmit PMWD virus, the efficacy of transmission was recorded with the highest number of mealybugs per plant. It was, therefore, concluded that the higher the number of viruliferous mealybugs colonising a pineapple plant, the higher the incidence and severity of PMWD. The result of this study, therefore, adds to the pool of knowledge on the understanding the population density of mealybugs transmitting PMWD as well as provide insights to improvement of mealybug vector monitoring as a key component of integrated PMWD management.

Ethyl Formate Fumigation against Pineapple Mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes, a Quarantine Insect Pest of Pineapples.

Pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a significant pest in pineapple production and a key trade barrier. We explored the potential use of ethyl formate (EF) as a methyl bromide alternative for the postharvest fumigation of D. brevipes in imported pineapples. When treated at 8 °C for 4 h, EF fumigation was effective against D. brevipes with LCt99, the lethal concentration × time product of EF necessary to achieve 99% mortality of D. brevipes nymphs and adults at 64.2 and 134.8 g h/m3, respectively. Sorption trials conducted with 70 g/m3 EF for 4 h at 8 °C using 7.5, 15 and 30% pineapple loading ratios (w/v) indicated that loading ratio lower than 30% is necessary to achieve the LCt99 values required to control D. brevipes. In a scaled up trial using 1 m3 chamber, EF fumigation with 70 g/m3 for 4 h at 8 °C with 20% pineapple loading ratio (w/v) resulted in a complete control of D. brevipes treated. There were no significant differences in hue values, sugar contents, firmness, and weight loss between EF-treated and untreated pineapples. Our results suggest that EF is a promising alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for the postharvest phytosanitary disinfection of D. brevipes in pineapples.

Herpetofauna Diversity at Eaglewood Gyrinops vesteegii Conservation Area in Pusuk Protected Forest, Lombok

Pusuk Protected Forest at Lembah Sari Village, Batu Layar District, western Lombok is Gyrinops vesteegii conservation area, the one of eaglewood trees in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Studying diversity and distribution of herpetofauna in conservation area to understanding how this fauna could be stabilized the community structure of organisms in the ecosystems with their act as secondary and tertiary consumers in food web organization. Herpetofauna in this area was captured by visual encounter surveys (VES) method. Eleven species of herpetofauna have been collected from eaglewood conservation area in protected forest of Pusuk, is comprised by four species of amphibians (Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Ingerophrynus biporcatus, Limnonectes dammarmani and Limnonectes kadarsani) and seven species of reptiles (Ahaetulla prasina, Cyrtodactylus petani, Dendrelaphis pictus, Draco volans, Eutropis multifasciata, Gekko gecko, Sphenomorpus melanopogon and Sibynopis geminatus). This animal group plays as a role in maintaining the stability of eaglewood ecosystems by controlling its pest populations such as moth larvae of Heortia vitessodes and white lice of Dysmicoccus brevipes. Based on this research, higher diversity of herpetofauna with varying types of their habitats could be control the varying types of forest tree pests

The vector of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated Virus (PMWaV) in Sipahutar pineapples in North Tapanuli, Indonesia

Abstract. Lisnawita, Tantawi AR, Tobing MC, Hutahayan AJ, Saragih WS, Sartiami D. 2023. The vector of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated Virus (PMWaV) in Sipahutar pineapples in North Tapanuli, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4052-4059. The Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated Virus (PMWaV) disease is one of the most important diseases in pineapples. It Is widely spread in almost all pineapple plantations, including those in North Tapanuli District, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Currently, there is still little information on the PMWaV disease and the species of mealybug found in Sipahutar pineapples in the North Tapanuli District. This research aims to identify mealybugs as the vectors that carry the virus that causes PMWaV disease in Sipahutar pineapples. Mealybug samples were taken from 12 villages in four sub-districts in the center of Sipahutar pineapples plantations in the North Tapanuli District. The four sub-districts were Sipahutar Sub-district from Siabal Abal IV Village, Sabungan Nihuta I Village, and Sabungan Nihuta II Village; Siborongborong Sub-district from Bahal Batu I Village, Bahal Batu II Village, and Lobu Siregar Village; Tarutung Sub-district from Parbaju Tonga Village, Jambur Nauli Village, and Sihujur Village; Pangaribuan Sub-district from Pansurnatolu Village, Sigotom Village, and Rahut Bosi Village. Samples were identified morphologically and molecularly. The results of the identification using both methods showed that the mealybugs found on Sipahutar pineapples with PMWaV symptoms from the 12 villages were Dysmicoccus brevipes species.

Occurrence and distribution of pineapple mealybug wilt-associated viruses (PMWaVs) in MD2 pineapple fields in the Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia

MD2 pineapple production in the Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia, has increased in recent years due to its preference in the national and international markets. Pineapple mealybug wilt (PMW), reported in all production areas around the world, is associated with two mealybug species, Dysmicoccus brevipes and D. neobrevipes, and a group of virus species known as pineapple mealybug wilt-associated viruses (PMWaVs). In a previous study, D. brevipes was determined to be the main mealybug species associated with pineapples in the region; hence, the objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and distribution of PMWaVs in pineapple plants and specimens of D. brevipes collected in five MD2 pineapple fields in the Department of Valle del Cauca. Our results confirmed the presence of three virus species in both plant and mealybug specimens. PMWaV3 showed the highest detection frequencies (92.6% and 88.7%), followed by PMWaV1 (26.5% and 8.3%) and PMWaV2 (12.0% and 2.0%) in plant and mealybug samples, respectively. Mixed infections of PMWaVs were found also in the studied plant material. The most common virus association consisting of PMWaV1 and PMWaV3 was found in 30 plant samples (20%). The correlation analysis between each virus species found in mealybugs and their pineapple host suggests that PMWaV3 is not only transmitted through infested plant material, but that D. brevipes may also play a role in the dynamics of disease dissemination. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of PMWaV transmission in MD2 pineapple-cultivated areas in the Valle del Cauca region.

Report and diagnoses of Hambletonia pseudococcina Compere (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Pseudiastata sp. (Diptera: Drosophilidae): Natural enemies of Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

During a study carried out to determine the prevalence of mealybugs in pineapple (Ananas comosus) orchards conducted in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, the parasitoid wasp Hambletonia pseudococcina Compere, 1936 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and the predatory fly Pseudiastata sp. (Diptera: Drosophilidae) were found in association with the pineapple mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). These two natural enemies are briefly diagnosed and illustrated. This is the first record of the genus Pseudiastata in Colombia.

Diversity and Diagnostics of Sternorrhynchan Insect Pests Infesting Arecanut

Investigations were carried out in major arecanut growing districts of Karnataka during 2019-2020 to know the species composition of sternorrhynchan pests viz., mealybugs, scales and aphids. A total of 14 species of sternorrhynchan sucking insect pests were recorded in the arecanut growing districts. These belong to five families viz., Coccidae Stephens, Diaspididae Maskell, Pseudococcidae (Heymons) and Aphididae (Buckton). Among these, Coccidae was the species rich. Prococcus acutissimus (Green) was the most predominant species followed by Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), Ceroplastes sp. nr. rusci (L.), Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Parasaissetia nigra (Neitner), Coccus viridis (Green), Coccus hesperidum L., Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret), Lepidosaphes gloveri (Packard), Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) and Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval). Diagnostics of these with descriptions of taxonomic characters and a key to genera is also provided herein.

Ferrisia virgata1 and Dysmicoccus brevipes1 as Hosts of Cirrhencyrtus spp.2 in Southern Chiapas, Mexico

Parasitism by Cirrhencyrtus spp. on Ferrisia virgata Cock and Dysmicoccus brevipes Cockerell associated with rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) crops in Mexico was reported. Parasitoids were randomly sampled in six commercial orchards where synthetic insecticide was not applied. Parasitism by Cirrhencyrtus aeoles (Noyes), Cirrhencyrtus silvia (Noyes), and Cirrhencyrtus pertius (Noyes) was recorded in 15 samples at four localities from 504 samples collected at six localities. This is the first record of these parasitoids in Mexico and new host associations.

Phytosanitary risk associated with illegal importation of pest-infested commodities to the South African agricultural sector

We evaluated the phytosanitary risk associated with illegal importation of pest-infested plant commodities into South Africa. Samples were collected from different South African ports of entry over 8 years (2011 to 2019) and data were analysed descriptively using Statistical Software Package. Pests were frequently detected on commodity species such as Citrus (18.31%), Zea mays (13.22%), Phaseolus vulgaris (12.88%), Musa spp. (9.15%) and Fragaria ananassa (5.08%). The highest number of pests intercepted occurred on fresh fruits (44.06%), followed by grains (26.44%) and vegetables (14.23%). The most intercepted organisms were Callosobruchus rhodesianus (7.79%), Dysmicoccus brevipes (7.11%), Callosobruchus maculates (6.10%) and Phyllosticta citricarpa (4.74%). The majority of intercepted organisms were non-quarantine organisms (70.50%), followed by pests of unknown status (17.28%), quarantine pests (10.84%) and potential quarantine pests (1.35%). Phyllosticta citricarpa, Bactrocera dorsalis, Spodoptera frugiperda and Prostephanus truncatus were the only quarantine pests intercepted in terms of South African regulatory status. The interception was mainly from southern African countries, particularly Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. The findings present the level of phytosanitary risk associated with illegal importation and/or non-compliance in regard to plants and plant commodities from different countries through South African ports of entry. Crop production, biodiversity, food security, existing export markets, and access to new export markets could be threatened as importing countries may impose stringent phytosanitary measures to limit the chances of introduction and establishment of quarantine pests into their territories. Significance&#x0D; &#x0D; Illegal importation of plant commodities may lead to the introduction, establishment and spread of pests that are of quarantine significance to South Africa.&#x0D; Introduction of pest species such as Phyllosticta citricarpa, Bactrocera dorsalis, Spodoptera frugiperda and Prostephanus truncatus into South Africa could result in undesirable impacts on the ecosystem, agriculture, biodiversity and economy of the country.&#x0D; Access to new export markets of plant commodities could be threatened as importing countries may impose stringent phytosanitary measures to limit the chances of introduction and establishment of these quarantine pests into their territories.&#x0D;

English

Mealybugs are agricultural pests occurring all over the world. The Sao Francisco Valley is one of the most productive regions regarding the cultivation of fruit crops in Brazil, demanding a proper phytosanitary management that can be obtained through the biological control of pests. Fortnight samples of mealybugs associated with roots, trunk, leaves and fruits of grapevines, pear, apple, persimmon, guava and Barbados cherry were performed in commercial farms in the sub-medium Sao Franciso Valley, Brazil, during twelve months. In order to identify mealybugs based on morphological characteristics from adult female specimens, samples were stored in Eppendorf tubes containing ethanol 70%, labeled and then identified. A total of 10,189 mealybugs, including nymphs and adult females were collected, with the highest number of specimens found in grapevines. The second most affected crop was persimmon, followed by pear. The lowest infestation was observed in guava, apple and Barbados cherry. Pseudococcidae evidenced preference for fruits. The following mealybugs were observed in the sub-medium region of the Sao Francisco Valley: Planococcus sp., Planococcus citri, Phenacoccus solenopsis, Dysmicoccus brevipes, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Ferrisia virgata and Pseudococcus elisae. Key words: Fluctuation, identification, morphology, pests.

Pineapple mealybug wilt-associated virus (PMWaV) on Sipahutar pineapple, in North Tapanuli, Indonesia

Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated Virus (PMWaV) is one of the main diseases that affect pineapples all over the world, including Sipahutar, North Tapanuli, Indonesia. Currently, there are no studies or information on PMWaV disease as well as the species of mealybugs found in sipahutar pineapples. Therefore, this study aims to identify the mealybugs causing PMWaV in sipahutar pineapple. Data were obtained from 3 (three) villages, namely Siabal-abal II, Onan Runggu, and Sabunganni Huta V, to assess the disease incidence and collect mealybugs. The results showed that the disease incidence of PMWaV in the 3 villages were between 15.6 - 21.6%. The highest disease incidence was found in Siabal-abal II (21.6%), followed by Onan Runggu (21.3%), and SabunganniHuta V (15.6%). The mealybugs found on pineapple sipahutar with PMWaV symptoms in the 3 surveyed villages were identified as Dysmicoccus brevipes.

Distribution and attack of pineapple mealybug to macauba palm Acrocomia aculeata

The mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important pest of several agricultural crops and can transmit viruses, and reduce growth and production, and lead to plant mortality. Macauba palm is an oleaginous plant whose oil can be used in the production of biodiesel, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in human food. In this context, the effect of mealybug insect attacks on the development and survival of this oleaginous remains little understood. The impact of D. brevipes attacks on macauba palm was verified by comparing the development of attacked and non-attacked plants. The spatial distribution pattern of D. brevipes in the areas studied (two areas) was also evaluated. The percentage of plants attacked by D. brevipes ranged from 52–54%. Attacked plants presented lower height (112.3–138.1 cm) and smaller crown diameter (136.8–173.6 cm) than non-attacked plants (187.8–191.6 cm and 234.7–246.2 cm). The spatial distribution of D. brevipes was best represented by the Spherical model. The attack range ranged from 4.4–5.5 m; distribution pattern of attacked plants was similar in the two plots with aggregate distribution and strong spatial dependence. The spatial distribution maps indicated that sampled plants and neighboring plants showed similar occurrence of D. brevipes. The pineapple mealybug is a pest insect with great capacity to cause mortality of young macauba plants, and can compromise the production and longevity of the attacked plants.

Prevalence of Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in MD2 pineapple crop areas in Colombia

ABSTRACT Pineapple mealybug wilt has been reported as one of the most important diseases affecting pineapple crops worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mealybugs associated with two agroclimatic zones of pineapple production in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The survey was conducted in the upper (Dagua, Restrepo, La Cumbre and Vijes) and lower (Buga and Palmira) land zones. A total of 75 MD2 pineapple plots in different development growth stages were evaluated. The mealybugs were recorded mainly in the upper land zone, with a prevalence of 32 %. Concerning the plots growth stages, the highest prevalence was observed in second-cycle plots (13.3 %), followed by third-cycle ones, including abandoned plots (9.3 %), and first-cycle plots (6.7 %), which were associated with the use of pesticides. Dysmicoccus brevipes was the only mealybug species (Pseudococcidae) found on pineapples in the study area.

Performance of entomopathogenic nematodes on the mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and the compatibility of control agents with nematodes.

The performance of nine isolates of Heterorhabditis amazonensis and one of Heterorhabditis indica on the mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes, (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), were evaluated. The most virulent isolates were evaluated for nematode vertical and horizontal dispersal, and for efficiency at concentrations of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100 infective juveniles (IJs)/cm2 on adult females of the insect. A compatibility assessment was also carried out with commercial products, registered or in the process of registration, for use in the cassava culture. The isolates that caused the highest mortality rate of D. brevipes were NEPET11 (93.8% ± 4.1) and IBCB-n40 (84.0% ± 8.1), both isolates of Heterorhabditis amazonensis, while the isolate NEPET11 was more virulent than IBCB-n40 at all concentrations evaluated. In the dispersal test, the NEPET11 isolate caused mortality in the mealybug at a depth of up to 20 cm and a horizontal displacement of 7.25 cm. In the compatibility test, the NEPET11 isolate exhibited reduced viability due to the products Poquer, Tiguer 100 EC, Actara 250 WG, and Gaucho FS. The insecticide Curyom 550 EC was the only one that reduced infectivity (reduction of 92%) and is the only product classified as moderately toxic, while all the others were classified as compatible based on E%.