Studies on the Soft Scale Insect Kilifia acuminata (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is a Main Insect Pest Attacking Mango Trees.

Abstract

The soft scale insect kilifia acuminata (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is one of the main insect pests infesting mango trees and caused the damage for leaves and fruits. The population density of the soft scale insect k. acuminata during the first year of study 2014/15 recorded 6 peaks and the highest peak was 1539 indiv.on 27 th of March, 2015. While recorded 5 peaks during the second year 2015/16 and the highest peak was on 17 th of June 2016 and represented by 1178 indiv. The highest average number and percentage in the first year was recorded during autumn season and represented by 1023.1 indiv. /100 leave (30.2%), while the highest average number and percentage was recorded during spring and represented by 994.8indiv./100 leaves (29%) in the second year. The highest average number of the soft scale insect K. acuminata were recorded in the south direction during the two successive years 2014/15 and 2015/16 and represented by 225.9+19.6 and 241.4+18.3 indiv. /100 leaves, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest average number were recorded in the North direction and represented by 105.4+16.1 and 74.8+6.2 indiv. /100 leaves, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that, a highly significant differences between the different directions, during the two successive year of study.

Population Dynamics of the Soft-scale Insect, Kilifia Acuminata (SIGN.) (HEMIPTERA: COCCIDAE) on Mango Trees at Sharkia Governorate

“…Attia and Ramadan (2013) indicated that the highest peak of this insect was recorded in April. Awadalla et al, (2017) mentioned that the highest peak of the soft scale K. acuminate occurred in March at Kafr-El-Sheikh Governorate, and the lowest one was recorded in June. Throughout the present period of study, only on parasitoid species (the endoprasitoid, Metaphycus zebratus (Mercet).…”

“…These outcomes concurred with those of Elwan (1990), who recorded that the lower and middle parts of the tree were preferable to this insect over the upper part. Awadalla et al, (2017) found that the lowest numbers were recorded in the north direction of the tree in Kafr-El-Sheikh Governorate.…”

“…Also, it produced large quantities of honeydew, which encouraged the growth of sooty mold. (Hosney,1943;Elwan,2007;Abdel-Rahman et al, 2012;Abdel-Razzik, 2013;Attia andRadwan, 2013 andAwadalla et al, 2017). To achieve a successful integrated pest management control program in any area, several information concerning ecological aspects of the pest should be involved.…”