Host resistance screening in coconut against the invasive coconut scale insect, aspidiotus rigidus Reyne (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Issue Date

10-2017

Abstract

The devastation of millions of coconut palms caused by invasive coconut scale insect (CSI), Aspidiotus rigidus, has posed a serious threat to the coconut industry in the Philippines. To help address this problem, host plant resistance (HPR) studies were conducted top provide a very economical and effective approach to mitigate the infestation through utilization of the innate resistance of coconut. This study aimed at identifying potential resistant variety/ies and mine putative resistance genes for coconut breeding. Host resistance screenings (natural infestations) were separately done at UPLB and two (2) sites in Basilan. Varieties used were 23 Tall, 25 Dwarf, 16 Synthetic, eight Orgullo for a total of 72, and a susceptible Laguna Tall (LAGT) as the control. Results showed that Dwarf, Synthetic, and Orgullo varieties were preferred by A. rigidus, but some Tall varieties during this duration were not infested or less preferred. These include Vanuatu (VTT), West African Tall (WAT), and Salambuyan (SALT). In Basilan, higher rate of progression of CSI infestation was observed at Lanotecompared to East Side. Under no-choice test (controlled infestation), the least preferred variety was Tupi dwarf. Additional coconut varieties from Albay Research Center were also studied using no-choice test, namely: Cocoñino, Tambulilid, and LAGT, and CALABARZON collection which were the putative progenies of the selected coconut trees resistant to CSI during the outbreak. Initially, LAGT was the least preferred variety based on the number of newly settled and developed CSI, while among CALABARZON selection, the least preferred was M11 having the fewest CSI.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

31

Issue

2

Page

149-150

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ASPIDIOTUS; STEM EATING INSECTS; INSECTA; INSECT PESTS; PEST OF PLANTS; VARIETY SCREENING; TESTING; SCREENING; HOST PLANT RESISTANCE; INFESTATION

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