Pseudococcus Longispinus Research Articles

A survey of mealybugs and their natural enemies in horticultural crops in North Island, New Zealand, with implications for biological control

More than 1300 mealybugs and their natural enemies were collected from six crops (apples, pears, nashi, citrus, persimmon and grapes) at 91 sites. Pseudococcus longispinus and P. calceolariae were the commonest species in all crops, except in pipfruit in Hawkes Bay, inhabited almost exclusively by P. affinis. These three species accounted for more than 99% of all mealybugs collected. Mealybugs were attacked by 14 species of natural enemy, only two of which had been deliberately introduced to New Zealand. Six species of Encyrtidae were reared. Anagyrus fusciventris was recorded from New Zealand for the first time. Parectromoides varipes was newly identified as a primary parasitoid of mealybugs, and males of this species and Gyranusoidea advena, previously unknown, were found. Both species, together with Tetracnemoidea sydneyensis, T. peregrina and T. brevicornis, and Coccophagus gurneyi (Aphelinidae) and two species of Ophelosia (Pteromalidae) were widespread throughout the surveyed regions. Common predato...

Pest Management Before Harvest and Insecticidal Dip After Harvest as a Systems Approach to Quarantine Security for Red Ginger

A systems approach consisting of insecticide application before harvest and use of an insecticidal dip after harvest provided quarantine security that eliminated all insect pests of red ginger, Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum., including the banana aphid, Penta Ionia nigronervosa Coquerel; cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover; citrus mealybug, Plano coccus citri (Risso); obscure mealybug, Pseudococcus affinis (Maskell); longtailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti); cardamom thrips, Sciothrips cardamomi (Ramakr); black earwig, Chelisoches Mario (F.); and an ant, Technomynnex albipes (F. Smith). Insecticide application consisted of chlorpyrifos 50 dry flowable (DF) applied to the foliage at 2-wk intervals, or chlorpyrifos 20 microencapsulated (MEC) applied as an insecticide barrier treatment. A 5-min dip with a combination of fluvalinate 2.0 flowable (F) and insecticidal soap (potassium salts of fatty acids) with agitation after harvest killed any remaining survivors as long as field populations had <6% mealybug infestation, <33% banana aphid infestation, and <70% cotton aphid infestation. These procedures plus a final inspection of flowers for live insects ensured pest-free ginger flowers that met quarantine security requirements.

Modified atmospheres for the posthavest disinfestation of New Zealand persimmons

Abstract The responses of lightbrown apple moth (LBAM—Epiphyas postvittana Walker) and long tailed mealy bug (Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni-Tozetti) on persimmons to controlled (CA) and modified atmosphere (MA) postharvest disinfestation treatments were determined. Atmospheres were generated using fruit (1) exposed to a continuous gas-flow apparatus (CA); (2) contained in a polymeric film bag with an oxygen scrubber (MA + scrubber); and (3) in a polymeric film bag under vacuum (MA + vac). LBAM larvae on fruit under CA were all killed after 4–7 days exposure to 0.5% O2, 5.3% CO2 but 0.2% of the mealy bug larvae and adults survived. LBAM and mealy bugs were not killed after 7 days at 20°C under MA + scrubber conditions, but were killed after 28 days at 0°C. Only LBAM were killed under MA + vac. The time needed for complete kill of LBAM and mealy bugs under MA conditions was reduced to 14 days at 0°C when fruit were held for 4 days at 20°C before coolstorage at 0°C. The MA treatment shows commercial pote...

Phylogenetic relationships of the endosymbionts of mealybugs (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) based on 165 rDNA sequences

A portion of the gene coding for the 16S ribosomal RNA from the endosymbionts of three species of mealybugs [ Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti), Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn), and Dysmicoccus neobrevipes (Beardsley)] was cloned, sequenced, and compared to a homologous fragment from bacteria representative of aphid endosymbionts as well as major subdivisions of the Proteobacteria. Parsimony analysis of the sequences indicated that the mealybug endosymbionts are related and belong to the γ-subdivision; in contrast, previous studies showed that aphid endosymbionts are part of the -1-subdivision. These findings suggest that the endosymbiosis of mealybugs is a consequence of a single bacterial infection and indicate that this ancestor was different from the ancestor involved in aphid endosymbiosis.

Honeydew analysis for detecting phloem transport of plant natural products

Analysis of honeydew excreted by various sap-sucking insects indicated the presence of certain plant secondary constituents in the phloem of their host plants. Honeydew excreted by mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus), living onCastanospermum australe, contained the indolizidine alkaloid castanospermine, a potent β-glucosidase inhibitor. Similarly, honeydew from green peach aphids (Myzus persicae), feeding onSenecio vulgaris flower buds, contained the pyrrolizidine alkaloid senecionine, itsN-oxide, and hydrolytic products including retronecine. Cardenolides were detected in the honeydew of oleander aphids (Aphis nerii) feeding on oleander (Nerium oleander), indicating that these compounds are translocated in the phloem. On the other hand, honeydew from greenbugs (Schizaphis graminum), feeding on barley, lacked gramine or related indole metabolites. Similarly MBOA, the breakdown product of DIMBOA, was not detected in the honeydew of greenbugs living on DIMBOA-containing wheat.

Assessment of the fungus Cladosporium oxysporum (Berk. and Curt.) as a potential biocontrol agent against certain homoptera

Cladosporium oxysporum (Berk. and Curt.) was isolated from Planococcus citri (Risso). In the laboratory, the pathogen was grown in submerged culture and then applied to P. citri, Pseudococcus longispinus (T.T.), Coccus aethiopicus De Lotto and Trioza erytreae (del Guercio), causing death and hyphal growth in all four. Applications in the field had considerable initial impact upon populations of Toxoptera citricidus (4 trials) and T. erytreae (1 trial). An unidentified toxin may be more instrumental in causing death than direct hyphal growth.

Diadiplosis koebeleiKoebele (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a predator ofPseudococcus longispinusT.-T.(Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), newly recorded from New Zealand

Abstract D. koebelei is recorded for the first time in New Zealand. D. koebelei larvae fed predominantly on adult females of the long-tailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus, especially in sheltered locations such as fruit bunches and under the bark. Over a two year period about 30% of adult female mealybugs in unsprayed fruit bunches at harvest were killed by D. koebelei larvae, but the predators were susceptible to insecticide sprays. It is considered that D. koebelei may become an useful predator against mealybugs in unsprayed locations.

Economic damage and preliminary economic thresholds for mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinusT-T.) in Auckland vineyards

Abstract Mealybugs are considered to be pests in Auckland vineyards because they may (i) debilitate the vine, (ii) affect the taste of the resulting wine, (iii) exacerbate the problem of Botrytis cinerea rot, or (iv) lead to the growth of sooty mould on the vine which may in turn (a) affect photosynthesis, (b) affect fermentation, or (c) taint the wine. These possibilities were examined and only sooty mould was found to cause economic damage. The population level (economic injury level) of mealybug required to cause sooty mould formation was found to be about 20 mealybugs of all stages/bunch at harvest. Economic thresholds of less than 0.8 and 34 mealybugs/leaf respectively in the first and second generations resulted in economic injury. Sampling for mealybugs in vineyards to determine economic thresholds is considered too time-consuming for practical application. However, the development of the mealybug population can be related to vine development, with the first generation beginning at bud-burst and the second during December before bunch closure. Because of the very low mealybug numbers initially required to lead to economic loss, it is recommended that insecticides be applied at bud-burst and before Christmas if any mealybugs are found in the vineyard during the previous harvest or pruning.

Distribution and life history of the longtailed mealy bug,Pseudococcus longispinus(Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), in Auckland vineyards

Abstract Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni-Tozzetti was studied from 1977 to 1979 in two commercial vineyards near Auckland. It was found to develop through rhree generations a year, the first two of which were synchronous. First-instar larvae moved on to the foliage at bud-burst and developed to the third instar or early adult stage before seeking shelter to reproduce. Most females reproduced under the flaking bark on the trunk of the vine, but as the season progressed many also reproduced within the vine canopy and grape bunches. Two generations were completed between mid December and leaf fall. The third generaition was born under the bark in autumn and moved on to young foliage in spring. During winter, numbers of mealybugs on the vine declined substantially. Although few corpses were found, the decline was attributed to mortality, presumably from starvation, rather than to movement to alternative host plants such as ground cover. Six predators and two parasitoids of the mealy bugs were recorded, but in numbers too low to allow analysis of their effect.

Integrated control of the long-tailed mealybug,Pseudococcus longispinus [Hom.: Pseudococcidae], in avocado plantations in Israel

Avocado plantations in Israel neighbouring cotton fields were heavily infested with and damaged by the long-tailed mealybugPseudococcus longispinusTargioni Tozzetti. Drift of pesticides from the aerial sprays of those cotton fields upset the biological equilibrium and resulted in outbreaks of the mealybug population.

Serological studies on five species of Pseudococcidae (Homoptera)

Abstract. Populations of Planococcus cini, Planococcus ficus, Pseudococcus obscurus, Pseudococcus calceolanae and Pseudococcus longispinus were selected for immunoelectrophoretic tests from which correlation and distance coefficients were calculated. Cluster analysis of serological data allowed construction of a dendrogram in which the phylogenetic relationships among the five species are presented. The conclusions were found to be in agreement with modern views on taxonomic interrelations among the five species based on female and male morphology. The recent separation of Planococcus citn' and Planococcus ficus as independent species is emphasized.

Susceptibility of avocado varieties to the long-tailed mealybug,Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) (Homoptera: pseudococcidae), and a survey of its host plants in Israel

The common avocado varieties grown in Israel can be graded in descending order of susceptibility to the long-tailed mealybug,Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), as follows: Hass, Nabal, Fuerte, Ettinger. The long-tailed mealybug was recorded in Israel on 36 host-plants belonging to 29 different botanical families.

The Occurrence and Transmission of Viruses of Edible Aroids in the Solomon Islands and the Southwest Pacific

The symptoms and distribution of virus diseases of taro (Colocasia esculenta) and other edible Araceae (Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Alocasia macrorhiza and Cyrtosperma chamissonis) in the S.W. Pacific are reported. Dasheen mosaic virus (DMV) occurred in many areas but, although two bacilliform virus particles that are damaging in parts of the Solomon Islands were found in some areas, with the exception of Santa Ysabel they did not cause the lethal disease which restricts the cultivation of some taro varieties on Malaita. DMV is transmitted by aphids and spread by vegetative propagation. The larger of the two bacilliform particles is transmitted by the planthopper Tarophagus proserpina and the smaller one by the mealybugs Planococcus citri and Pseudococcus longispinus. Hypotheses are proposed to explain our results and prospects for controlling these viruses discussed.

APPARENT FAILURE OF TWO PARASITES, ANARHOPUS SYDNEYENSIS (HYMENOPTERA: ENCYRTIDAE) AND HUNGARIELLA PEREGRINA (HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE) TO ESTABLISH ON FIELD POPULATIONS OF PSEUDOCOCCUS LONGISPINUS (HEMIPTERA: COCCIDAE) IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

AbstractTwo exotic parasites of the long‐tailed mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni‐Tozzetti), Anarhopus sydneyensis Timberlake and Hungariellaperegrina (Compere), were introduced into Loxton and successfully mass reared on cultures of the mealybug. About 3,000 A. sydneyensis and 40,000 H. peregrina adults were released into field populations of the mealybug in fruit trees along the River Murray in South Australia during 1972 to 1974. In addition several pumpkins infested with mealybugs parasitized by these species were placed in the field. Mealybugs collected from the release trees for a year after release did not yield either species of parasite and it appears that they did not become established.

Laboratory and Greenhouse Evaluations of Insecticides and Insect Growth Regulators for Control of Foliar and Root Infesting Mealybugs12

Laboratory results indicated that acephate, oxydemetonmethyl, and the growth regulator, kinoprene, were highly toxic to adult Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti) and Phenacoccus solani Ferris. Methoprene and Ro 10-3108 (75% 2-ethyl-3-[3-ethyl-5-(4-ethylphenoxy) – pentyl]-2-methyloxirane (cis/trans) and 25% 2-ethyl-3-[5-(4-ethylphenoxy)-2,3-dimethylpentyl]-2-methyloxirane (cis/trans) were less toxic but reduced reproduction. In greenhouse tests, acephate, oxydemetonmethyl, and kinoprene suppressed populations of both mealybug species and prevented crop damage. Methoprene did not control greenhouse populations; Ro 10-3108 reduced populations but not quickly enough to prevent unsightly damage. Overall reductions of Rhizoecus floridanus Hambleton by kinoprene and Ro 10-3108 were comparable to the insecticides, acephate and oxamyl. Oxydemetonmethyl and Ro 20-3600 (6,7-epoxy-3-methyl-7-ethyl-1-[3,4-(methylenedioxy) phenoxy]-2- cis / trans -octene) proved less effective.

Chemical and integrated control of the long-tailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in the Riverland of South Australia

Chemical control of the mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti) was most effective if sprays were applied when the mealybugs were in the dispersive crawler stage and when the host plant afforded the least shelter. A two-spray program with sprays applied in August and late November effectively controlled a dense infestation of the mealybug on citrus. Red scale (Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell)), the major insect pest of citrus, was also effectively controlled. An overall pest management program has been developed for citrus in which all insect pests are controlled by combination of natural enemies and insecticides as required. Outbreaks of the mealybug, and other secondary pests, are controlled by sprays of aminocarb or methomyl. These two insecticides prevented the population resurgence of mealybugs in the subsequent generation which occurred when maldison was used. Bioassays showed that aminocarb and methomyl were toxic for less than a week to the mealybug and to parasites and predators, whereas maldison and methidathion were toxic to the parasites and predators for about a month. Parasite pupae inside the host mealybug survived sprays of maldison and aminocarb. It is suggested that natural enemies emerging after spraying, from resistant or protected stages, survive sprays of aminocarb and methomyl but not sprays of more persistent insecticides like maldison; and that these survivors continue to suppress populations of their hosts. Hence aminocarb and methomyl are probably specific in their action against the mealybug and the other secondary pests of citrus because of their short persistence.An insecticide check experiment failed to demonstrate that natural enemies significantly reduce populations of the mealybug. Possible reasons for the failure are discussed.

The Dispersal, Age-Structure and Natural Enemies of the Long-Tailed Mealybug, Pseudococcus Longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti), in Relation to Sampling and Control.

Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti) had three discrete generations a year. To detect this it was necessary to have at least one count, preferably more, in each developmental stage. Dispersion of mealybugs changed with age: first-instar crawlers dispersed over the whole tree; some second-instars were found in exposed positions but most second- and all third-instar larvae sought sheltered living sites; adults reproduced in protected sites. The presence or absence of fruit affected the places to which the adults moved. Natural enemies were collected and identified and their effectiveness estimated from observations on number and behaviour.

Insect Growth Regulator Control of Longtailed Mealybug, Hemispherical Scale, and Phenacoccus solani on Ornamental Foliage Plants1

Four insect growth regulators with juvenile hormone-like activity (ZR-777, prop-2-ynyl-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate, Ent. no. 70531; ZR-619, ethyl-11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienethiolate, Ent. no. 70513; hydroprene, ethyl-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate; and Ro 20-3600, 6,7 epoxy-3-methyl-7-ethyl-1-[3,4-(methylenedioxy) phenoxy ]-2- cis/trans -octene, Ent. no. 70357) were evaluated for effect on the longtailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti), Phenacoccus solani Ferris, and hemispherical scale, Saissetia coffeae (Walker), major pests of ornamental tropical foliage plants. Foliar sprays at 1000 ppm effectively reduced populations of P. Longispinus and P. solani on Ardisia crenata Sims and Gynura sarmentosa D.C. ZR-777 provided control 5 days after 1 application. Repeated applications of ZR-619 and Ro 20-3600 were necessary. P. solani populations were still suppressed 1 month after treatment. Bioassays demonstrated ZR-777 to be toxic and to suppress reproduction of adult female P. longispinus and P. solani . All IGRs were equally effective as foliar sprays against S. coffeae when applied at monthly intervals at 2500 ppm.

ON THE PRE‐ADULT INSTARS OF PSEUDOCOCCUS LONGISPINUS TARG., WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHARACTERS OF POSSIBLE GENERIC SIGNIFICANCE (HEM.)

Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of LondonVolume 86, Issue 5 p. 73-84 ON THE PRE-ADULT INSTARS OF PSEUDOCOCCUS LONGISPINUS TARG., WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHARACTERS OF POSSIBLE GENERIC SIGNIFICANCE (HEM.) H. C. James B.Sc., Ph.D., H. C. James B.Sc., Ph.D. Entomological Department, Zoological Laboratory, Cambridge.Search for more papers by this author H. C. James B.Sc., Ph.D., H. C. James B.Sc., Ph.D. Entomological Department, Zoological Laboratory, Cambridge.Search for more papers by this author First published: April 1937 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2311.1937.tb00425.xCitations: 2AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume86, Issue5April 1937Pages 73-84 RelatedInformation