Predicting the potential geographical distribution of parasitic natural enemies of the Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin) using geographic information systems

Abstract

The Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin) is a pest species whose entire life cycle occurs on date palms, Phoenix dactylifera L, causing serious damage and reducing date palm growth and yield. Pseudoligosita babylonica Viggiani, Aprostocetus nr. Beatus, and Bocchus hyalinus Olmi are very important parasitic natural enemies of Ommatissus lybicus in northern Oman. In this study, random farms were selected to (a) model the link between occurrences of the Pseudoligosita babylonica, Aprostocetus nr beatus, and Bocchus hyalinus (dependent variables) with environmental, climatological, and Dubas bug infestation levels (the independent variables), and (b) produce distribution and predictive maps of these natural enemies in northern Oman. The multiple R 2 values showed the model explained 63%, 89%, and 94% of the presence of P. babylonica, A. nr beatus, and Bocchus hyalinus, respectively. However, the distribution of each species appears to be influenced by distinct and geographically associated climatological and environmental factors, as well as habitat characteristics. This study reveals that spatial analysis and modeling can be highly useful for studying the distribution, the presence or absence of Dubas bugs, and their natural enemies. It is anticipated to help contribute to the reduction in the extent and costs of aerial and ground insecticidal spraying needed in date palm plantations.

Transcriptomic analysis of Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus Bergevin) infestation to Date Palm

“…The seedlings, in a randomized block design experiment, were used for two treatments (1) healthy control and (2) DB infected with each comprising of 30 seedlings. The disease infestation process was followed as mentioned previously 87 . To avoid dispersion of insect attack to neighboring plants or environment, the pots were shifted into environmental growth chamber (12 h of light at 30 °C (08:00-19:00; 12 h of dark at 30 °C 20:00-07:00; relative humidity 60%; Excelsior Scientific, UK) for rest of the experiment.…”