Taxonomy of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) - 1: Identification and Local Distribution of the Predominant Species on Witches’ Broom-Diseased Plants in the Philippines

Authors

Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Entomology Section, Museum of Natural History and Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los BañosFollow
Cristian Lucañas, Entomology Section, Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines
Joanne Langres, College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City, Caraga, 8600 Philippines
Lolita Dolores, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines
Ruby Ana Laude, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines
Merdelyn Caasi-Lit, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines

Publication Date

3-1-2024

Abstract

Samples of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) plants infected with witches’ broom disease were gathered from 13 provinces in the Philippines. Mealybugs were observed to occur in nine out of the 13 cumulative samples. The most predominant among several mealybug species observed was identified as Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel and Miller. P. jackbeardsleyi is not yet known to transmit phytoplasma, especially the one causing cassava witches’ broom (CWB). However, its occurrence in almost 70% of the CWB-infected samples provides circumstantial evidence that it may be related to the spread of the pathogen. This formal report of identification is in support of the studies on the possible role of mealybug species on CWB phytoplasma transmission.

Recommended Citation

Lit, Ireneo L. Jr.; Lucañas, Cristian; Langres, Joanne; Dolores, Lolita; Laude, Ruby Ana; and Caasi-Lit, Merdelyn (2024) "Taxonomy of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) - 1: Identification and Local Distribution of the Predominant Species on Witches’ Broom-Diseased Plants in the Philippines," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 107: No. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol107/iss1/9