Extraordinary multispecies outbreaks of scale insects in Mindanao, Philippines: effects of climate change or poor quarantine practices?
Issue Date
10-2008
Abstract
Ten species of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) have been reported to infest several crops in various areas of Mindanao island in outbreak levels. They include newly recorded and/or resurgent pests of several crops and consist of five armored scales (Diaspididae), namely: coconut scale Aspidiotus destructor (Signoret) (Tribe Aspidiotini), lanzones mussel scale Lepidosaphes sp. (Tribe Lepidosaphini), white mango scale Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead), pineapple scale Diaspis boisduvalii (Tribe Diaspidini), and black parlatoria scale Parlatoria ziziphi Lucas (Tribe Parlatoriini); three mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), namely: buff coconut mealybug Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell), pineapple mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), and a still undetermined Pseudococcus sp. (Pseudococcidae); the giant scale (Margarodidae) Icerya seychellarum (Westwood); and a palm scale (Halimococcidae); the Comval palm scale Halimococcus sp., Lepidosaphes sp. and Halimococcus sp. are new faunal records whereas N. nipae, a polyphagous species, is a recent introduction. The crops mainly affected are coconut, banana, mango, pineapple, citrus, lansones, and ornamental palms. Previously, A. destructor and P. ziziphi were typically known mainly on coconut and other palms and their occurrence on bananas, although not surprising, appears to be a possible case of host switching. Several accounts from both researchers and farmers claim that they peaked or at least started during the last El Niño or prolonged dry season on the island. On the other hand, the spread of N. nipae from Luzon is postulated to be through introduced ornamental palms, which probably did not pass through proper quarantine procedures.
Source or Periodical Title
Philippine Entomologist
ISSN
0048-3753
Volume
22
Issue
2
Page
203
Document Type
Article
Frequency
semi-annually
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Lit, Ireneo L. Jr. and Caasi-Lit, Merdelyn T., "Extraordinary multispecies outbreaks of scale insects in Mindanao, Philippines: effects of climate change or poor quarantine practices?" (2008). Journal Article. 5461.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5461
En – AGROVOC descriptors
COCCOIDEA; HEMIPTERA; SPECIES; INFESTATION; QUARANTINE; CLIMATE CHANGE; PHILIPPINES