Taxonomic survey and biological observations of insects associated with bamboo shoots in the Philippines

Abstract

This is the first comprehensive report on insect pests associated with bamboo shoots in the Philippines. Twenty-two insects were observed to be associated with the basal shoots (labong) of several bamboo species in plantations and natural stands. They were collected from the field, further observed in the laboratory and identified. Of the 22, nine species are herbivorous. The primary insect pests include at least three species of bamboo aphids [Pseudoregma alexanderi (Takahashi), Ps. bambusicola (Takahashi) and Ps. sp. nr. pseudomontana (Takahashi)], the bamboo shoot mealybug [Palmicultor lumpurensis (Takahashi)], the bamboo shoot soft scale (Coccus sp.), the bamboo pit scale [Bambusaspis bambusae (Boisduval)], the buho shoot borer (Cyrtotrachelus sp.), an undetermined species of thrips (?Stenchaetothrips sp.) and the bamboo planthopper (Purohita cervina Distant). Based on frequency of occurrence and qualitative damage to bamboo shoots, the planthoppers, mealybugs and aphids can be considered the major pests of Philippine bamboo shoots. Ants that attend to honeydew-producing pests and which cover the emerging shoots with earthen nests or bivouacs are here considered secondary pests and include Dolichoderus sp., Solenopsis geminata Fabricius, Anoplolepis gracilipes Jerdon and Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius. Five species of insects were observed to prey on Pseudoregma spp., namely: the large ladybird beetle Synonycha grandis (Thunberg), the syrphid Ischiodon scutellaris (Fabricius), the green lacewing Anisochrysa basalis (Walker), the giant green lacewing Nobilinus sp., the brown lacewing (Micromus igorotus Banks) and the pyralid Cryptoblabes aphidivora Yoshiyasu and Ohara. The predatory lycaenid (Spalgis epius Westwood) attacks bamboo shoot mealybugs. Two species of Pseudoscymnus are also believed to prey on young aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and possibly also mites. An undetermined fungal pathogen infests the bamboo planthopper. The continuous presence or build-up of natural enemies should be encouraged to help maintain the relatively low herbivore or pest pressure.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

335-348

Document Type

Article

Subject

Ants, Aphids, Asterolecaniidae, Bamboo, Bamboo shoots, Coccidae, Formicidae, Fulgoridae, Insect pests, Mealybugs, Pemphigidae, Planthoppers, Pseudococcidae, Scale insects

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS