A study was carried out among some green spaces in Gabon, mainly in Libreville, Lambarene, Mouila, Franceville and Mitzic, from August 2019 to October 2021. The aim was to assess the presence and impact of the japanese aphid Tinocallis kahawaluokalani Kirkaldy (Hemiptera : Aphididae), and its relate natural enemies, using one time visual observations on Crapemyrtle shrubs. This ornamental plant pest was recorded, occurring on leaves of Lagerstroemia indica (L.) Pers. (Lythraceae). Seven local beneficial insect species were observed predating on this aphid, mainly three hoverflies Ischiodon aegyptius Wiedemann, Paragus borbonicus Macquart, Asarkina sp. (Diptera : Syrphidae), three ladybird species Platynaspis capicola Crotch, Scymnus interruptus Goeze and Chilocorus nigritus Fabricus (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae), and the brown lacewing Micromus sp. (Neuroptera : Hemerobiidae), as natural enemies of T. kahawaluokalani, hilighting a local promizing way for biocontrol of this pest. These findings are a new record for this insect pest from the Gabon and Africa.
A local pest survey was carried out at Franceville town on september 2022, within Avocado trees. The study aimed to record the avocado lace bug Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and it impact on the host plant Persea americana L. (Lauraceae), based on recognizing and characterizing the insect pest symptoms, detecting it presence and local potential enemies. Results revalead that symptoms were observed in all parts (100%) of Franceville, with attacked trees ranging from 3.33 to 90%. The pest injury ranges from little foliage brown spots to complete tree defoliation. A predatory mirid diagnosed as Stethoconus praefectus (Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae) was recorded feeding on the avocado lace bug P. perseae. Typical symptoms and both insect pictures were provided. Further studies are needed to highlight the pest distribution in the country and the predatory effectiveness.
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