Scale Insects Research Articles

First record of the genus Prionobrachium Faust, 1894 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Colombian copal

A new species, Prionobrachium gusakovi sp. n. (Curculioninae: Prionobrachiini) is described from Holocene Colombian copal. The new species differs from Prionobrachium nigrum Hustache, 1938 in the rare and finely punctate pronotum, smooth elytral interstriae, white scales forming a stripe in the first half of the third elytral interstria, and the last interstria in the apical third of the elytra with white scales. This is the first record of the tribe Prionobrachiini for Colombia and the first find of this group in the fossil state. A list of species of the genus Prionobrachium is given.

Barbenigma Powell & Miller, a bizarre new genus and two new species of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Ortheziidae) from the United States

Barbenigma Powell & Miller, a bizarre new genus and two new species of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Ortheziidae) from the United States

Status and Integrated Management of White Mango Scale on Mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> L.) in Ethiopia: A Review

Mango is attacked by many insect pests which reduce the quality and productivity of the crop. Among the insect pests attacking mango plant, white mango scale is the most devastating insect pest. White mango scale is a new insect pest and a major problem of mango production in Ethiopia. It has been determined that the white mango scale is a new, quickly increasing, and devastating insect pest of mango. It emerged as an upsetting insect pest that now harms mango output, resulting in 50 to 100% losses and forcing the plant out of production in the majority of Ethiopian mango-growing regions. Because there are fewer quarantine restrictions and easier applicability through transport agents, the insect has spread quickly across the country since it was first discovered in 2010. In a short period of time, the insect invaded nearly all of Ethiopia's mango-growing regions, and the country was placed on the list of countries affected with the new white mango scale. Its polyphagous behavior and sucking the plant sap, the insect pest severely harms mango shoots, twigs, leaves, branches, and fruits, which results in significant fruit quality and quantity losses. The insect's hard white scales make it difficult to control with chemical pesticides, in addition to other uncontrolled activities. Although no recognized chemical control methods for the white mango scale are successful, other management strategies for the pest include cultural, biological, chemical, and integrated pest management. White mango scale damage had an impact on the economy, society, environment, and other factors. Therefore, urgently coordinated actions against this uncontrolled white-scale dissemination and the harm it causes in Ethiopia are required.

An Ethnographic Research on Gulal Gota

Lac, a resinous secretion from female scale insects, has played a significant role in India’s culture and economy since ancient times, with mentions in Vedic texts and the Mahabharata. This study examines the Manihaar community of Jaipur, known for their expertise in crafting lac bangles and Gulal Gotas—lac spheres filled with colors for Holi. Through qualitative interviews, it explores their craftsmanship, daily lives, and challenges in preserving their tradition amidst modernization. The findings emphasize the cultural importance of lac and the need for government support to protect India's artisanal heritage.

Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides for Controlling Cochineal Scale (Dactylopius opuntiae) Insect on Cactus (Dactylcompound sopius opuntiae) Plant at Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Cochineal scale insects, scientifically known as D. opuntiae, are small insects that feed on the sap of cacti plants. These insects are notorious for their ability to rapidly reproduce and spread, causing significant damage to cactus populations. Tigray region, located in northern Ethiopia, has been particularly affected by the relentless attack of cochineal scale insects on its cacti. The aim of this study was to evaluate botanical insecticide to control cochineal scale insect of cacti plant in southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted during 2024 in off-season at Raya-azobo district. A total of five treatments; leave extract (Neem, Lantana camara and Pepper tree and liquid soap), salt+liquid soup, liquid soup, water and control (no sprayed)) were used in the field experiment. The experiment was laid out randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The mortality rate of cochineal scale insect had a significant difference at (p<0.001) among the treatments. The highest rate of mortality (free of cochineal scale insect) was calculated from the leave extract (100%) extracted from leaves. However, the increasing number of cochineal scale insect was observed from untreated (control) (+9.9%) followed by cladodes treated with water (45.29%). The current research findings provide strong evidence that botanical insecticide derived from plant leaves could be an effective solution for controlling cochineal scale insect infestations on cacti. These eco-friendly alternatives offer several advantages over synthetic pesticides in terms of reduced toxicity to non-target organisms. Beside; it should be promoted to further demonstration and popularization at farmer level in the coming off-season.

Allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp: a review of an underdiagnosed entity.

It is hypothesized that scalp allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in women is commonly mistaken for other disorders due to overlapping symptoms and unique clinical presentations. This study reviews the potential underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of scalp ACD and explores ways to improve diagnostic accuracy. This study conducted an extensive literature review to identify diagnostic challenges, common misdiagnoses, and diagnostic approaches for scalp ACD, focusing on standard versus targeted patch testing techniques. Scalp ACD, often misdiagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis due to similar symptoms, has atypical presentations such as hair thinning, hair loss, and erythematous lesions affecting neighboring regions. Trichoscopy can help distinguish scalp ACD, identifying its patchy distribution of thin white scales, in contrast to the yellow scaling of seborrheic dermatitis. Standardized patch testing further contributes to diagnostic errors, with a study reporting 83% of patients who tested negative with standardized patch tests were positive when using their personal products. Individualized patch testing is more effective in identifying causative allergens and accurately diagnosing scalp ACD. It is a retrospective review. Several factors contribute to scalp ACD's misdiagnosis for conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. The significant discrepancy in ACD detection rates between personalized and standardized patch tests in women emphasizes the importance of using patient-specific products in diagnostic testing. Incorporating scalp ACD more readily into one's differential, employing individualized patch testing with trichoscopy, and accounting for neighboring symptomatic areas are all crucial elements in improving diagnostic accuracy for scalp ACD in women.

Genome report: Genome sequence of tuliptree scale, Toumeyella liriodendri (Gmelin), an ornamental pest insect.

Scale insects are of interest both to basic researchers for their unique reproductive biology and to applied researchers for their pest status. In spite of this interest, there remain few genomic resources for this group of insects. To begin addressing this lack of data, we present the genome sequence of tuliptree scale, Toumeyella liriodendri (Gmelin) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae). The genome assembly spans 536Mb, with over 96% of sequence assembled into one of 17 chromosomal scaffolds. We characterize roughly 66% of this sequence as repetitive and annotate 16,508 protein coding genes. Then we use the reference genome to explore the phylogeny of soft scales (Coccidae) and evolution of karyotype within the family. We find that T. liriodendri is an early-diverging soft scale, less closely related to most sequenced soft scales than a species of the family Aclerdidae is. This molecular result corroborates a previous, morphology-based phylogenetic placement of Aclerdidae within Coccidae. In terms of genome structure, T. liriodendri has nearly twice as many chromosomes as the only other soft scale assembled to the chromosome level, Ericerus pela (Chavannes). In comparing the two, we find that chromosome number evolution can largely be explained by simple fissions rather than more complex rearrangements. These genomic natural history observations lay a foundation for further exploration of this unique group of insects.

Role of photosensitizer in control of mealybug and scale insects (Homoptera: Margarodidae and Diaspididae), in comparison with conventional insecticide

BackgroundTwo photosensitizer agents were used: rose bengal and eosin alone and mixed with soap. Two other chemical compounds were used: active cable oil and soap. All these materials were compared with malathion as a conventional insecticide. The Egyptian mealybug Icerya aegyptiaca attacking ornamental–medicinal plants (acalypha and rose shrubs) and the black Parlatoria scale Parlatoria ziziphus attacking sour orange were evaluated against the tested materials.ResultsThe results obtained suggest that soap, rose bengal mixed, eosin mixed, malathion and active cable oil revealed potency in reducing the population of I. aegyptiaca by 57.24, 87.25, 75.62, 98.71 and 59.91%, respectively, on rose; and by 54.91, 82.64, 62.48, 96.67 and 48.13%, respectively, on acalypha shrubs; their potency on insects showed a significant difference on infested rose than on infested acalypha. The tested compounds revealed lower potency in reducing the population of P. ziziphus than malathion. Reduction percentages were 35.43, 40.39, 34.25, 91.81 and 28.21%, respectively. The accumulation potency of the tested compounds on two insects collectively, without regard to insect species, stages or infested plant species, was assessed at 51.49, 66.18, 55.86, 94.37 and 44.69, respectively. The obtained results confirmed that malathion was the most effective agent against both tested insects, followed by rose bengal mixed with soap, eosin mixed with soap, soap alone and active cable oil.ConclusionsThe obtained results showed that rose bengal (as a photosensitizers) mixed with soap can be used as a promising agent against all tested insects.

Insights Into the Epidemiological, Clinical, Histopathological, and Dermoscopic Aspects of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis.

Background Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory condition of the skin marked by clearly demarcated red plaques adorned with silvery scales. It impacts individuals across different age ranges and presents with unique clinical, histological, and dermoscopic characteristics. This research seeks to offer an extensive assessment of the demographic, clinical, histological, and dermoscopic attributes of chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP). Methodology A total of 60 patients with CPP were included in this study. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, disease duration, clinical features, histopathological findings, and dermoscopic patterns. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York), employing descriptive statistics to summarize demographic and clinical characteristicsand histopathological and dermoscopic findings. Results The study included 60 patients with CPP, predominantly aged 41-50 years (n=18, 30%), with a higher prevalence in males (n=35, 58.3%). Plaque psoriasis was the most common type observed (75%), with lesions primarily located on the scalp (n=30, 50%) and elbows (n=25, 41.7%), consistent with typical psoriasis distribution patterns. Histopathological analysis revealed acanthosis in 55 patients (91.7%) and parakeratosis in 50 patients (83.3%), indicating thickened epidermis and retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum, which are characteristic of psoriasis. Additionally, Munro's microabscesses were found in 30 patients (50%) and spongiform pustules in 10 patients (16.7%), supporting the diagnosis through classic markers. Dermoscopic evaluations identified red dots or globules in 55 patients (91.7%) and white scales in 50 patients (83.3%), essential for differentiating psoriasis from other skin conditions. Further dermoscopic findings included micro-erosions in 25 patients (41.7%), hemorrhagic spots in 15 patients (25%), and yellowish scales in 20 patients (33.3%), reflecting disease activity and inflammation. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach in diagnosing and managing CPP. The prevalence of psoriasis in middle-aged males and the common clinical presentation on the scalp and elbows are consistent with previous studies. Histopathological and dermoscopic features provide critical diagnostic support and can guide effective treatment strategies. Continued research is essential to enhance understanding and management of this prevalent dermatological condition.

Compatibility and Toxicity of Lecanicillium lecanii with Insecticides against Cotton Aphids In vitro

Background: Lecanicillium lecanii is the most effective entomopathogenic fungus against all stages of sucking pests like aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, thrips and mealybugs. The compatibility of fungi with commonly used insecticides was investigated in this study. Aim: To study the In vitro compatibility and toxicity of Lecanicillium lecanii with insecticides against cotton aphids. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design. Methodology: Six different insecticides were evaluated under in vitro conditions against L. lecanii by the poison food technique. The results showed that insecticides, viz., Dinotefuran 20 SG (0.006%), Afidopyropen 50 g/L DC (0.1%), Diafenthiuron 50 WP (0.06%) and Buprofezin 25 SC (0.05%), were rated as harmless and proved compatible with L. lecanii. Pyriproxyfen 10 EC (0.016%) and Tolfenpyrad 15 EC (0.03%) were moderately harmful to L. lecanii. Furthermore, the toxicity of insecticides alone and in combination with the entomopathogenic fungus L. lecanii against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, was assessed by topical application bioassay under laboratory conditions. Results: Cent percent mortality of A. gossypii was recorded with Diafenthiuron 50 WP (0.06%), Dinotefuran 20 SG (0.006%) and Afidopyropen 50 g/L DC (0.1%) at the recommended dose and their combination at half of the recommended dose with L. lecanii (1×107 conidia/ml) at 72 h after treatment. While minimum mortality was observed with the individual treatment of L. lecanii (1×107 conidia/ml). Conclusion: This study suggests that the most suitable insecticides at half of the recommended dose, when combined with L. lecanii, can be effectively integrated into pest management programs.

Current status of white mango scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis Newstead) and associated factors in Assosa district western Ethiopia

White mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead; Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a major insect pest of mango production threatening production and marketing of mango in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to determine the current status of the white mango scale (WMS) and to identify the factors contributing to the damage level of the pest. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in ten selected kebeles in Assosa district, western Ethiopia, during 2021/2022 cropping season. Data on infestation level and WMS life-stage abundance were recorded from fifty randomly selected mango orchards. Data on the prevalence of WMS and factors influencing the distribution and damage levels of white mango scale infestations were analyzed using SAS and SPSS software respectively. The results of this study indicate that WMS infestation was prevalent in all assessed mango growing areas of the district. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference between kebeles and mango orchards in infestation level and WMS life-stage population densities. Poor cultivation, crop husbandry practices, and pest management strategies have been identified as the major contributing factors for high pest infestation. The study indicates that WMS infestations are increasing in the study area; thus, there has to be strong efforts towards the implementation of safe and effective management strategies.

Phylogeny and evolution of hemipteran insects based on expanded genomic and transcriptomic data

BackgroundHemiptera is the fifth species-rich order of insects and the most species-rich order of hemimetabolous insects, including numerous insect species that are of agricultural or medical significance. Despite much effort and recent advance in inferring the Hemiptera phylogeny, some high-level relationships among superfamilies remain controversial.ResultsWe sequenced the genomes of 64 hemipteran species from 15 superfamilies and the transcriptomes of two additional scale insect species, integrating them with existing genomic and transcriptomic data to conduct a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Hemiptera. Our datasets comprise an average of 1625 nuclear loci of 315 species across 27 superfamilies of Hemiptera. Our analyses supported Cicadoidea and Cercopoidea as sister groups, with Membracoidea typically positioned as the sister to Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea. In most analyses, Aleyrodoidea was recovered as the sister group of all other Sternorrhyncha. A sister-group relationship was supported between Coccoidea and Aphidoidea + Phylloxeroidea. These relationships were further supported by four-cluster likelihood mapping analyses across diverse datasets. Our ancestral state reconstruction indicates phytophagy as the primary feeding strategy for Hemiptera as a whole. However, predation likely represents an ancestral state for Heteroptera, with several phytophagous lineages having evolved from predatory ancestors. Certain lineages, like Lygaeoidea, have undergone a reversal transition from phytophagy to predation. Our divergence time estimation placed the diversification of hemipterans to be between 60 and 150 million years ago.ConclusionsBy expanding phylogenomic taxon sampling, we clarified the superfamily relationships within the infraorder Cicadomorpha. Our phylogenetic analyses supported the sister-group relationship between the superfamilies Cicadoidea and Cercopoidea, and the superfamily Membracoidea as the sister to Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea. Our divergence time estimation supported the close association of hemipteran diversification with the evolutionary success and adaptive radiation of angiosperms during the Cretaceous period.

Field efficacy of insecticides for suppressing white mango scale insect (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in southwest Ethiopia

White mango scale (WMS) Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a polyphagous armored scale insect which is considered one of the key pests of mango (Mangifera indica L.) around the world. Mango is widely grown in Ethiopia whereas its production is challenged by WMS in the last decade. Effective formulations that could help manage the scale as part of IPM practice were sought from field experiments at Seka mango farm, Ethiopia in 2019 and 2020 seasons. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of some formulations against WMS on mango trees. Randomized complete block designs with three replications were used for the experiments and each tree served as a plot. Allocation of each treatment within each replication was done randomly. The treatments were applied sequentially three times at 14 days interval using motorized Knapsack sprayer coinciding with peak period of natural infestation. Scale numbers before and after each spray were counted using a microscope with LCD. Sum of live crawler, female and male was registered as WMS count data. Results showed that dimethoate, diazinon, imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin sprayed alone; dimethoate rotated with imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos-ethyl rotated with paraffin, and diazinon rotated with azadirachtin, caused total mortality of the scales. The results also showed that, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, deltamethrin, paraffin oil and λ-cyhalothrin sprayed alone caused percent reduction with range 83–95 % in both seasons. Hence, the study revealed that dimethoate, diazinon, imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin applied individually, dimethoate rotated with imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos-ethyl rotated with paraffin and diazinon rotated with azadirachtin fully protect mango trees from WMS and significantly superior to other treatments. Therefore, chemical control of A. tubercularis may consider the use of these materials as foliar application and can be used as components for integrated pest management plans for WMS. However, application in the form of rotation is preferred to the alone spray as the former could substantially reduce the likelihood of inducing pesticide resistance. Cost implications and effects of the products on the natural enemy and residual toxicity in fruits need to be studied.

Occurrence of Sugarcane Scale Insect &lt;i&gt;melanaspis glomerata&lt;/i&gt; (Green) and its Natural Enemies in Bihar

Parasitoids and predators are organisms responsible for the biological regulation of insect pests. The natural enemies associated with scale insect Melanaspis glomerata (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) included Adelencyrtus mayurai (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Selitrichodes sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Chilocoris nigrita and Pharoscymnus horni (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Cybocephalus sp (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae). The parasitoid Selitrichodes sp. and predator Cybocephalus sp. were recorded for the first time against scale insect in sugarcane agroecosystem in Bihar. However, the natural enemies are of prominent importance as they aid in biological pest control.

A long noncoding RNA at the cortex locus controls adaptive coloration in butterflies

Evolutionary variation in the wing pigmentation of butterflies and moths offers striking examples of adaptation by crypsis and mimicry. The cortex locus has been independently mapped as the locus controlling color polymorphisms in 15 lepidopteran species, suggesting that it acts as a genomic hotspot for the diversification of wing patterns, but functional validation through protein-coding knockouts has proven difficult to obtain. Our study unveils the role of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) which we name ivory, transcribed from the cortex locus, in modulating color patterning in butterflies. Strikingly, ivory expression prefigures most melanic patterns during pupal development, suggesting an early developmental role in specifying scale identity. To test this, we generated CRISPR mosaic knock-outs in five nymphalid butterfly species and show that ivory mutagenesis yields transformations of dark pigmented scales into white or light-colored scales. Genotyping of Vanessa cardui germline mutants associates these phenotypes to small on-target deletions at the conserved first exon of ivory. In contrast, cortex germline mutant butterflies with confirmed null alleles lack any wing phenotype and exclude a color patterning role for this adjacent gene. Overall, these results show that a lncRNA gene acts as a master switch of color pattern specification and played key roles in the adaptive diversification of wing patterns in butterflies.

Application of deep ensemble learning for palm disease detection in smart agriculture

Agriculture has notably become one of the fields experiencing intensive digital transformation. Leveraging state-of-the-art techniques in this domain has provided numerous advantages for agricultural activities. Deep learning (DL) algorithms have proven beneficial in addressing various agricultural challenges. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into applying DL models for palm disease detection and classification in the context of smart agriculture. The research aims to address the limitations observed in previous studies and improve the robustness and generalizability of the results. To achieve this, a two-stage optimization methodology is employed. First, transfer learning and fine-tuning techniques are applied using various pre-trained deep neural network models. The experiments show promising results, with all models achieving high accuracy rates during training and validation. Furthermore, their performance on unseen test data is also assessed to ensure practical applicability. The top-performing models are MobileNetV2 (92.48 %), ResNet (92.42 %), ResNetRS50 (92.30 %), and DenseNet121 (92.01 %). Second, a deep ensemble learning approach is applied to enhance the models' generalization capability further. The best-performing models with different criteria are combined using the ensemble technique, resulting in remarkable improvements in disease detection tasks. DELM1 emerges as the most successful ensemble model, achieving an ROC AUC Score of 99 %. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of deep ensemble learning models in palm disease detection and classification for smart agriculture applications. The findings contribute to advancing disease detection systems and emphasize the potential of ensemble learning. The study provides valuable insights for future research, guiding the application of DL techniques to address critical agricultural challenges and improve crop health monitoring systems. Another contribution is combining various plant diseases and insect pest classes using diverse datasets. A comprehensive classification system is achieved by considering different disease classes and stages within the white scale category, improving the model's robustness.

Social Media Escapism in Poland: Adaptation of a Measure and its Relationship With Thought Suppression and Mental Health.

Research indicates that social media use can lead to addiction, fear of missing out, higher stress levels, anxiety, and experiencing symptoms typical of depression. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a Polish adaptation of the Social Media Escapism Scale and to assess its associations with fear of missing out, Facebook addiction, thought suppression, and the experience of stress, anxiety, and symptoms typical of depression. Two studies were conducted, the first adaptive and the second testing associations. The first study included 383 participants aged 18 to 63 (M = 23.51; SD = 5.7). To adapt the scale, the following were used: the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, the fear of missing out Scale, and the demographic questionnaire. The second study included 417 participants aged 18 to 60 (M = 26.33; SD = 9.7). The study tested relationships using the same three scales used in the first study, and also Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale, and the White Bear Suppression Scale. The Polish version of the Social Media Escapism Scale revealed a univariate structure with strong internal consistency (α = .91). The adapted scale was associated with fear of missing out and Facebook addiction. In study 2, the structural equation modeling analyses revealed that fear of missing out, Facebook addiction and escapism were positively related to thought suppression and the experience of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms. In addition, thought suppression partially mediated the relationship between harmful media use and anxiety, stress, and depression. Furthermore, the findings reveal a positive correlation between escapism and several psychological constructs, including fear of missing out, Facebook addiction, as well as aspects of depression and suppression, thereby lending support to the convergent validity of the adapted measure under investigation. The results can be used in psychological intervention and developing support and treatment programs for social network addiction.

New Invasive and Potential Pests in Sugarcane Agrosystems in Africa: How to Apprehend Them for Better Preparedness and Management?

Abstract Africa is a key sugarcane-producing continent, particularly in the eastern and southern regions with South Africa being the first producer of this commodity. However, sugarcane is attacked by insect pests of economic importance such as the stem borers, white grubs, armyworms, and sap-sucking insects and arthropods (e.g., aphids, thrips, scale insects, froghoppers, mites), some of which are vectors of important diseases. The African continent is particularly exposed to insect incursions due to the lack of biosecurity plans, phytosanitary control at the border and awareness. The actions taken by South Africa in terms of biosecurity represent a good example to follow and are comparable to what has been implemented in Australia, a country that is constantly threatened by outside pests and diseases. Several examples are given here to explain how an invasive pest can dramatically threaten small-scale farmers, particularly in resource-poor countries and how it is important to have an efficient biosecurity strategy for emergency response for pest and disease control. Information © The Author 2024

SINTOMATOLOGIA E MÉTODOS ALTERNATIVOS DE CONTROLE DE PRAGAS NO VIVEIRO FLORESTAL DA UFAM

Pest management in forest nurseries is crucial for ensuring the health of seedlings and the success of reforestation projects. At the forest nursery of the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), the pursuit of sustainable methods led to the evaluation of six alternative control techniques and one chemical treatment. The methods investigated included the insecticide FORTH (deltamethrin), mineral oil, onion extract, neem oil (Azadirachta indica), garlic extract, and garlic macerate. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these methods in reducing the infestation of scale insects (Dactylopius coccus) on Cenostigma tocantinum seedlings. A 7 x 3 factorial design was used, with 42 seedlings divided among treatments and infestation levels (high, medium, and low). Weekly observations and infestation analyses revealed that treatments with FORTH, mineral oil, and onion extract were the most effective, reducing infestation to low levels in 28.57% of the seedlings. In contrast, neem oil and garlic extract showed low effectiveness, with high infestation intensity persisting. This study demonstrates that alternative methods, such as plant extracts and mineral oils, can offer viable and sustainable solutions for pest control in forest nurseries, contributing to more ecological management practices.

Assembly and annotation of the first complete mitochondrial genome of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a significant economic pest with a global distribution. Despite the increasing volume of literature on mitochondrial genome sequencing, complete mitochondrial genome sequences have not been reported for P. solenopsis yet. Here, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of P. solenopsis using high throughput DNA sequencing technology. The genome is 14,831 bp in length and is comprised of 37 genes: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The total length of all PCGs is 9,678 bp, accounting for 65.2% of the overall mitogenome. Among the PCGs, atp8 is the smallest gene (99 bp) and nad5 is the largest (1,593 bp). Of the 13 PCGs, seven (nad3, cox3, atp6, atp8, cox2, cox1, nad2) are encoded on the majority strand (J-strand), while six (nad1, nad6, cob, nad4L, nad4, nad5) are on the minority strand (N-strand). The analysis revealed a predominant A+T base composition, making up 90.3% of the total genome. However, the non-coding regulatory control region (CR) is missing due to the non-overlapping endpoints of the linear assembly. This assembly provides comprehensive information for investigating the evolutionary relationships between scale insects and for the precise identification of insects.