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We conducted long-term monitoring of Hypogeococcus sp. (Pseudococcidae) as a biocontrol agent for queen of the night cactus (Cereus jamacaru De Candolle). The biocontrol agent was released at three sites representing the regions where the plant is problematic in South Africa, and both agent and plant populations were monitored over time. The proportion of plants producing fruits or flowers decreased by 36% each year, with all plants no longer flowering between two and seven years after release. Plant density reduced by 42% each year after release. Hypogeococcus sp. is an effective agent against C. jamacaru in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are important biocontrol agents that are considered generalist predators, although some tribes, such as Scymnini, are specialized in predation of sucking pests, such as mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies. However, prey preference or pre‐imaginal conditioning may occur as coccinellids are subjected to large‐scale rearing. Thus, predator–prey interaction may be an outcome of conditioning to prey stimuli. To evaluate possible pre‐imaginal conditioning, population lines were created for the lady beetles Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant and Tenuisvalvae notata (Mulsant), each fed for at least eight generations the mealybugs Ferrisia dasylirii (Cockrell) or Planococcus citri Risso (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Next, the behavioral response of these coccinellids was measured in arenas treated with prey volatiles or footprints, regarding walking time, walking speed, walking distance, and residence time. Finally, food preference between prey species was measured in laboratory and semi‐field conditions on infested cotton plants. Conditioned coccinellids responded similarly to volatiles released by either prey species offered. Furthermore, there were no changes in predator behavior towards footprints of either prey species. Both predator species consumed more P. citri in all tests, regardless of rearing prey indicating no pre‐imaginal conditioning. These results suggest that rearing prey may not affect the predator behavior, and both coccinellid species are effective in the biological control of mealybugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveys of scale insects (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha) infesting date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L., Arecaceae) in Iran represented the occurrence of 10 species belonging to five families. The recorded species were: Asterolecaniidae - Palmaspis phoenicis (Ramachandra Rao); Diaspididae - Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead), Fiorinia phoenicis Balachowsky, Parlatoria blanchardi (Targioni Tozzetti) and Parlatoria crypta McKenzie; Monophlebidae - Pseudaspidoproctus hyphaeniacus (Hall); Phoenicococcidae - Phoenicococcus marlatti Cockerell; and Pseudococcidae - Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), and Formicococcus phoenicis Moghaddam & Zarghami sp. nov., a new species of mealybug feeding on the roots of the date palm, is described and illustrated based on the adult female. An annotated list of these species is presented.

Following the commodity risk assessments of Acer palmatum plants grafted on A. davidii from China, in which Crisicoccus matsumotoi (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified as a pest of possible concern, the European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to conduct a pest categorisation of C. matsumotoi for the territory of the European Union. Recent taxonomic revision of the genus Crisisoccus concluded that C. matsumotoi is a synonym of C. seruratus; therefore, the categorisation will use the current valid name C. seruratus. It is an insect pest native to Japan, feeding on species in 13 plant families. There are reports of its presence also in China and the Republic of Korea, but there is great uncertainty about the identity of the species for these records. Therefore, there is uncertainty about the species referred to as C. matsumotoi in the commodity risk assessments of A. palmatum. C. seruratus is a multivoltine species. It has three generations per year and overwinters as a nymph. The most important crops that may be affected by C. seruratus are figs (Ficus carica), grapes (Vitis spp.), nashi pears (Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta), persimmons (Diospyros kaki) and walnuts (Juglans regia). Plants for planting and fruits provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability suggest that the central, northern and some areas of southern EU countries would be suitable for the establishment of C. seruratus. The introduction of this mealybug would likely have an economic impact in the EU through yield reduction and fruit downgrading because of honeydew deposition and the consequent growth of sooty moulds. This insect is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread of this species into the EU. C. seruratus satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planococcus ficus (Signoret) is a worldwide pest of grapevine. Mealybugs overwinter under bark and move into the grape canopy as the season progresses. Because crawlers are more active than later stages, mealybug movement behavior is likely to be stage specific. To quantify P. ficus demography and movement behavior, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted. First, P. ficus populations were monitored on grapevine seedlings to describe survival, change in size, timing of male pupation, and timing of oviposition over a 6-wk period. Subsequently, cohorts of mealybugs were generated by infesting grapevines with crawlers and holding infested grapevines for a specified duration of 0 (crawlers), 1, 2, 3, or 4 wk. Crawlers (0-wk) were more likely to move upwards and towards a light source, than all other age cohorts tested. Further, mealybugs from 4-wk-old cohorts were more likely to move downward than all other age cohorts tested. Results suggest that crawlers are more likely to move to the top of grapevines by moving upwards and orienting towards either the sun or the moon than all other age cohorts tested, whereas older gravid females are more likely to move downward. Passive movement of mealybugs on farm machinery or animals requires surviving a host free period.To quantify risk of passive movement, establishment rates and effects of starvation on each age cohort were quantified. Larger and older mealybugs were more likely to establish on grapevines than smaller and younger mealybugs. Further, mealybug longevity in absence of food was greater for older cohorts compared to younger cohorts. Crawlers survived an average of 2 days without food, whereas females from 4-wk-old cohorts survived for an average of 11 days without food. Further, 70% of starved females from 4-wk-old cohorts deposited fertile eggs. In the absence of food, some mealybugs from cohorts aged 2-, 3-, and 4-wk formed pupa with viable males emerging. Adult males from starved nymphs lived for an average of 3 days post-emergence. Results provide methods for producing cohorts of mealybugs of predictable size and stage and provides insight into P. ficus demography and movement behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are the main pest of persimmon in Spain, the second producer in the world. In order to develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, it is necessary to identify the main mealybug species, determine their phenology, and develop tools to predict damage. To do this, we sampled 17 orchards from the main persimmon producing area in Spain over two years. Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzeti) was the most abundant and widely distributed species. This mealybug species completed three generations per year and reached peak density just before harvest. Fruit infestation at harvest was highly correlated with mealybug density in spring and summer. The estimated thermal constants to complete development and one generation were 512.5 and 956.3 degree days, respectively. Based on climate change predictions, crop damage caused by the third generation of P. longispinus will increase in 2040 and the mealybug will complete a fourth generation by 2080. Pseudococcus longispinus has become the main pest for Mediterranean persimmon and damage produced by this mealybug may be exacerbated by climate change. This work provides essential data to design a sampling protocol and determine intervention times and thresholds against this mealybug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Following the commodity risk assessments of Acer palmatum plants grafted on A. davidii from China, in which Crisicoccus matsumotoi (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified as a pest of possible concern, the European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to conduct a pest categorisation of C. matsumotoi for the territory of the European Union. Recent taxonomic revision of the genus Crisisoccus concluded that C. matsumotoi is a synonym of C. seruratus; therefore, the categorisation will use the current valid name C. seruratus. It is an insect pest native to Japan, feeding on species in 13 plant families. There are reports of its presence also in China and the Republic of Korea, but there is great uncertainty about the identity of the species for these records. Therefore, there is uncertainty about the species referred to as C. matsumotoi in the commodity risk assessments of A. palmatum. C. seruratus is a multivoltine species. It has three generations per year and overwinters as a nymph. The most important crops that may be affected by C. seruratus are figs (Ficus carica), grapes (Vitis spp.), nashi pears (Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta), persimmons (Diospyros kaki) and walnuts (Juglans regia). Plants for planting and fruits provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability suggest that the central, northern and some areas of southern EU countries would be suitable for the establishment of C. seruratus. The introduction of this mealybug would likely have an economic impact in the EU through yield reduction and fruit downgrading because of honeydew deposition and the consequent growth of sooty moulds. This insect is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread of this species into the EU. C. seruratus satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Native hyperparasitoids may readily expand their host range by including non-native parasitoids that are introduced in classical biological control of pest insects. Here we report our observation on biology of Cheiloneurus nankingensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an obligate hyperparasitoid attacking non-native parasitoid Aenasius arizonensis residing in Phenacoccus solenopsis mealybugs that have invaded into Asian regions. We measured durations of antennae-tapping, ovipositor-drilling and ovipositor-probing/ovipositing behaviours by C. nankingensis wasps on parasitised mealybugs with the host at either larval or pupal stage and on the unparasitised mealybug as the control. The ovipositor-probing/ovipositing duration was much longer on a pupal host than on the larval while shortest on the control. We then observed offspring development progression of C. nankingensis at attacking either egg, larva or pupa of its host by daily dissecting hyperparasitised mealybugs. The development was faster in a larval or pupal host than in the egg. Finally, our measurements of the reproductive output showed that C. nankingensis wasps during 14 days after the emergence attacked more parasitised mealybugs and produced more offspring reaching adulthood when ovipositing in the mealybug with a host larva than with a pupa. Our results from this study suggest that C. nankingensis may employ the ovipositor to probe for the host within a mealybug and the host at the larval stage is of high quality for the reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) may disrupt biological control of hibiscus mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis) in Florida citrus. Controlling S. invicta may therefore be necessary for effective management of hibiscus mealybug. We evaluated four different methods to control S. invicta (ground applications of insecticide, two different insecticidal ant baits and spot‐treating ant colonies with hot water) to determine how these different treatments affected ants tending to hibiscus mealybug colonies, natural enemy abundance within hibiscus mealybug colonies and hibiscus mealybug colony abundance. While all treatments reduced the number of S. invicta colonies in treated areas compared to an untreated control, only ground applications of insecticide and the two ant baits significantly reduced the abundance of S. invicta found tending hibiscus mealybug colonies. Additionally, significantly more Brachymyrmex obscurior ants were found tending mealybug colonies in plots treated with either of the two ant baits. There was no significant effect of treatment on the abundance of natural enemies in hibiscus mealybug colonies, but significantly fewer natural enemies were found in mealybug colonies tended by S. invicta, and significantly more natural enemies were found in mealybug colonies tended by B. obscurior. Ground applications of insecticide, the abamectin ant bait Clinch and hot water treatments all reduced the overall number of hibiscus mealybug colonies compared with control areas, while the S‐methoprene ant bait Extinguish did not. Our results suggest that reducing the number of S. invicta tending hibiscus mealybug colonies can lead to higher natural enemy abundance and lower hibiscus mealybug abundance. However, methods used to control S. invicta may have different impacts on ant species like B. obscurior, leading to different outcomes with natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae), the papaya scale, for the EU. It is native to Central America and since the 1990s, it has spread rapidly in mainly tropical areas of the Caribbean, islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Africa and southern Asia. Large populations were detected in northern Israel in 2016. It has not been reported within the EU. It is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It reproduces sexually and there are up to 11 generations per year in India. The estimated minimum, optimum and maximum temperature thresholds for the adult females are 13.9, 28.4 and 32.1°C, respectively. First‐instar nymphs may move to neighbouring plants by crawling, or be passively dispersed by wind, or hitchhiking on clothing, equipment or animals. It is highly polyphagous, feeding on plants in 172 genera and 54 families. It is an important pest of custard apple (Annona spp.), papaya (Carica papaya) and Hibiscus spp. It also feeds on a wide range of plants cultivated in the EU such as eggplant (Solanum melongena), avocado (Persea americana), citrus (Citrus spp.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), grapevine (Vitis vinifera), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), passionfruit (Passiflora edulis), pomegranate (Punica granatum), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Plants for planting, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers are the main potential pathways for entry of P. marginatus into the EU. Climatic conditions in the warmest areas of Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain, where host plants occur, would likely allow this species to successfully establish and spread. Reductions in yield and quality of some cultivated hosts including Annona spp., Hibiscus spp. and papaya are anticipated if establishment occurs. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread. P. marginatus meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae), the papaya scale, for the EU. It is native to Central America and since the 1990s, it has spread rapidly in mainly tropical areas of the Caribbean, islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Africa and southern Asia. Large populations were detected in northern Israel in 2016. It has not been reported within the EU. It is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It reproduces sexually and there are up to 11 generations per year in India. The estimated minimum, optimum and maximum temperature thresholds for the adult females are 13.9, 28.4 and 32.1°C, respectively. First‐instar nymphs may move to neighbouring plants by crawling, or be passively dispersed by wind, or hitchhiking on clothing, equipment or animals. It is highly polyphagous, feeding on plants in 172 genera and 54 families. It is an important pest of custard apple (Annona spp.), papaya (Carica papaya) and Hibiscus spp. It also feeds on a wide range of plants cultivated in the EU such as eggplant (Solanum melongena), avocado (Persea americana), citrus (Citrus spp.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), grapevine (Vitis vinifera), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), passionfruit (Passiflora edulis), pomegranate (Punica granatum), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Plants for planting, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers are the main potential pathways for entry of P. marginatus into the EU. Climatic conditions in the warmest areas of Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain, where host plants occur, would likely allow this species to successfully establish and spread. Reductions in yield and quality of some cultivated hosts including Annona spp., Hibiscus spp. and papaya are anticipated if establishment occurs. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread. P. marginatus meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Most mealybugs of the Pseudococcidae family are important pests of agriculture and ornamental gardens. Our aim was to perform a review and meta-analysis on 14 published scientific articles on the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) against mealybug species of the Pseudococcidae family. Data on (1) species, genus, families, and plant parts from which the EO was extracted; (2) the main compounds of each EO; (3) the highest and lowest concentrations tested; and (4) the application method used for the toxicological studies was collected from each study. The metafor package (R software) was used to perform a three-level random effects meta-analysis. The families Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Myrtaceae, Zingiberaceae and Euphorbiaceae and the genera Citrus, Cymbopogon, Syzygium, Cinnamomum and Jatropha were the most used among the studies. According to the results from the meta-analyses, 13 out of 24 genera analyzed were effective against mealybugs. All methods were effective, but fumigation and indirect contact were the most frequently used methodologies. The results obtained from the present review and meta-analysis could be used for the potential development of natural biopesticide formulations against mealybugs belonging to the Pseudococcidae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), the citriculus mealybug, for the EU. P. cryptus originates from Southeast Asia but is now established in East Africa, the Middle East and South America. The pest is not currently known to occur in the EU (there was a record once, in 2006, in a zoo/botanical garden from southern Spain). P. cryptus is not listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It is polyphagous, feeding on plants in more than 90 genera in 51 families, and exhibits a preference for citrus (Citrus spp.) and palms (especially Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis and Areca catechu). It is an important pest of citrus in Japan and parts of the Middle East, although in Israel, it is controlled by natural enemies. It is sexually reproductive, has six overlapping generations each year in Israel, and each female lays up to approximately 150 eggs, depending on temperature and host species. The main natural dispersal stage is the first instar, which crawls over the host plant or may be dispersed further by wind and animals. Plants for planting, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions in EU member states around the Mediterranean Sea where there is host plant availability, especially citrus, are conducive for establishment. The introduction of P. cryptus is expected to have an economic impact in the EU through reduction in yield and quality of important crops (mainly citrus) and damage to various ornamental plants. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and further spread. P. cryptus meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Matile‐Ferrero) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), has become an important pest with major potential to damage cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae), around the world. To find new sources of plant resistance, the development of P. manihoti on 18 cassava genotypes was evaluated (duration of embryonic, nymphal, egg–adult, pre‐oviposition, and oviposition periods, longevity, and fecundity), and the defense‐related peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities in the leaves were measured. The fecundity of P. manihoti was the parameter most affected by the cassava genotype that the insect was fed. POD activity was negatively correlated with the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of P. manihoti. PPO activity was negatively correlated with insect fecundity, net reproductive rate (R0), and rm and positively correlated with population doubling time. According to hierarchical groupings of the genotypes tested, three genotypes were resistant to P. manihoti, five were moderately resistant, nine were susceptible, and one was highly susceptible. This information could aid future genetic breeding programs, leading to development of more resistant commercial cassava varieties which could be used in integrated pest management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), the citriculus mealybug, for the EU. P. cryptus originates from Southeast Asia but is now established in East Africa, the Middle East and South America. The pest is not currently known to occur in the EU (there was a record once, in 2006, in a zoo/botanical garden from southern Spain). P. cryptus is not listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It is polyphagous, feeding on plants in more than 90 genera in 51 families, and exhibits a preference for citrus (Citrus spp.) and palms (especially Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis and Areca catechu). It is an important pest of citrus in Japan and parts of the Middle East, although in Israel, it is controlled by natural enemies. It is sexually reproductive, has six overlapping generations each year in Israel, and each female lays up to approximately 150 eggs, depending on temperature and host species. The main natural dispersal stage is the first instar, which crawls over the host plant or may be dispersed further by wind and animals. Plants for planting, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions in EU member states around the Mediterranean Sea where there is host plant availability, especially citrus, are conducive for establishment. The introduction of P. cryptus is expected to have an economic impact in the EU through reduction in yield and quality of important crops (mainly citrus) and damage to various ornamental plants. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and further spread. P. cryptus meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), the pink hibiscus mealybug, for the EU. M. hirsutus is native to Southern Asia and has established in many countries in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Within the EU, the pest has been reported from Cyprus and Greece (Rhodes). M. hirsutus is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It is highly polyphagous, feeding on plants assigned to 229 genera in 78 plant families, and shows some preference for hosts in the families Malvaceae, Fabaceae and Moraceae. Economically important crops in the EU such as cotton (Gossypium spp.), citrus (Citrus spp.), ornamentals (Hibiscus spp.), grapes (Vitis vinifera), soybean (Glycinae max), avocado (Persea americana) and mulberry trees (Morus alba) may be significantly affected by M. hirsutus. The lower and upper developmental temperature threshold of M. hirsutus on Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis are 14.5 and 35.0°C, respectively, with optimal female development estimated to be at 29.0°C. There are about 10 generations a year in the subtropics but as many as 15 may occur under optimal conditions. Plants for planting, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions in EU member states around the Mediterranean Sea and host plant availability in those areas are conducive for establishment. The introduction of M. hirsutus is expected to have an economic impact in the EU through damage to various ornamental plants, as already observed in Cyprus and Greece, and reduction in yield and quality of many significant crops. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and further spread. Some uncertainties include the area of establishment, whether it could become a greenhouse pest, impact, and the influence of natural enemies. M. hirsutus meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), the pink hibiscus mealybug, for the EU. M. hirsutus is native to Southern Asia and has established in many countries in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Within the EU, the pest has been reported from Cyprus and Greece (Rhodes). M. hirsutus is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. It is highly polyphagous, feeding on plants assigned to 229 genera in 78 plant families, and shows some preference for hosts in the families Malvaceae, Fabaceae and Moraceae. Economically important crops in the EU such as cotton (Gossypium spp.), citrus (Citrus spp.), ornamentals (Hibiscus spp.), grapes (Vitis vinifera), soybean (Glycinae max), avocado (Persea americana) and mulberry trees (Morus alba) may be significantly affected by M. hirsutus. The lower and upper developmental temperature threshold of M. hirsutus on Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis are 14.5 and 35.0°C, respectively, with optimal female development estimated to be at 29.0°C. There are about 10 generations a year in the subtropics but as many as 15 may occur under optimal conditions. Plants for planting, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions in EU member states around the Mediterranean Sea and host plant availability in those areas are conducive for establishment. The introduction of M. hirsutus is expected to have an economic impact in the EU through damage to various ornamental plants, as already observed in Cyprus and Greece, and reduction in yield and quality of many significant crops. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and further spread. Some uncertainties include the area of establishment, whether it could become a greenhouse pest, impact, and the influence of natural enemies. M. hirsutus meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Most mealybugs of the Pseudococcidae family are important pests of agriculture and ornamental gardens. Our aim was to perform a review and meta-analysis on 14 published scientific articles on the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) against mealybug species of the Pseudococcidae family. Data on (1) species, genus, families, and plant parts from which the EO was extracted; (2) the main compounds of each EO; (3) the highest and lowest concentrations tested; and (4) the application method used for the toxicological studies was collected from each study. The metafor package (R software) was used to perform a three-level random effects meta-analysis. The families Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Myrtaceae, Zingiberaceae and Euphorbiaceae and the genera Citrus, Cymbopogon, Syzygium, Cinnamomum and Jatropha were the most used among the studies. According to the results from the meta-analyses, 13 out of 24 genera analyzed were effective against mealybugs. All methods were effective, but fumigation and indirect contact were the most frequently used methodologies. The results obtained from the present review and meta-analysis could be used for the potential development of natural biopesticide formulations against mealybugs belonging to the Pseudococcidae family.

Medicinal and aromatic plants are used primarily in the medicine, food and cosmetic industries. Scale insect species belonging to Coccomorpha (Hemiptera: Sternorryncha) feed on medicinal and aromatic plants, reducing the yield and commercial value of these crops. This study aimed to determine the scale insect species on these plants in Adana Province between 2015 and 2017. Scale insect samples were collected from leaves, trunks, brunches and fruits of 28 medicinal and aromatic plant species examined and identified in the laboratory. In the study, a total of 16 species were identified from the families of Coccidae (5 species), Diaspididae (7 species), Monophlebidae (1 species) and Pseudococcidae (3 species) belonging to this infraorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planococcus lilacinus (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a global flower and fruit pest, and a severe infestation is currently seen in the sugar apple (Annona squamosa L., Annonaceae) orchards of Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China. Biological control with entomopathogenic fungi is safe, effective, and long‐lasting, and has potential for the control of mealybugs. In this study, we analyzed the pathogenic characteristics and infection‐related genes of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokīn FM‐03, a strain discovered in the sugar apple orchards, against P. lilacinus, to evaluate its biocontrol potential and application prospects against mealybugs. The results showed that M. anisopliae FM‐03 was highly pathogenic against P. lilacinus. At 10 days after infection, the median lethal concentration (LC50) of strain FM‐03 was 1.45 × 105 spores ml−1 and the cumulative corrected mortality was 93%, whereas the median lethal time (LT50) was 5.27 days for treatment with the highest spore concentration (108 spores ml−1). Planococcus lilacinus was primarily infected from the legs, abdominal segments, and body edges, which are sites with less wax. Infection became clearly visible 72 h post inoculation. Substantial changes occurred in activity of fungal enzymes, with peak values of 26 U ml−1 for proteases and 17 U ml−1 for lipases on day 5 post inoculation to enzyme inducing culture media. The activity of chitinases was relatively stable, with a peak value of 8 U ml−1 on day 6 post inoculation. At 3 days post P. lilacinus infection, a total of 1 069 genes were differentially expressed, of which 137 were annotated as infection‐related. Among the 136 upregulated genes, 10 were identified as potentially crucial for infection regulation. These 10 genes could be targeted for subsequent construction of genetically engineered FM‐03 strains, driving the research and development of effective biocontrol agents for P. lilacinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic treatments for two genera of Australian native mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) are presented. The genus Australiputo Williams, 1985 stat. rev. is resurrected from synonymy with Ceroputo Šulc, 1898, from which it is morphologically and biogeographically distinct. This action limits Ceroputo to the Holarctic. The two species of Australiputo revert to Australiputo casuarinae (Maskell, 1893) stat. rev. and A. eucalypti Williams, 1985 stat. rev. A new species in a new genus of mealybugs found on wild plants and horticultural plantings of several Pomaderris species (Rhamnaceae) from the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales is described as Glabracoccus pomaderris gen. n. and sp. n. (subfamily Pseudococcinae). The adult female and firstinstar nymph of G. pomaderris are illustrated and the possible relationships of Glabracoccus to other mealybug genera are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize cultivation has enormously increased in Southeastern Turkey in recent years. The naked grass-mealybug, Heterococcus nudus (Green, 1926) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is known as a pest for many uncultivated Poaceae plants. The aims of this study are to report maize as a new host plant for H. nudus and its early region-wide distribution in Southeastern Turkey and to examine its parasitoids. The mealybug was detected on the first (sown in March-April) crop maize plants in Çınar during periodic surveys in June and August 2018. In total, forty-two maize fields from fourteen counties belonging to five provinces, namely Adıyaman, Batman, Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Şanlıurfa, were checked for the presence of the mealybug and its parasitoids. The mealybug was recorded in only two counties, Bismil and Çınar of Diyarbakır province while it was not present on maize plants in other surveyed provinces. Mealybug specimens were found feeding between leaf sheets and the stem of maize plants. Mean infestation ratios, i.e. the number of adults + larvae (±SEM), were 2.69 (± 0.52) and 0.5 (± 0.23) adult ± larvae for Çınar and Bismil respectively. The pest did not infest second crop maize plants (sown in June-July). In addition, incubation of collected grass mealybug individuals yielded no parasitoids. Since the pest is not widely distributed throughout the region and currently has very low population densities, no control practices are recommended for the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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En este trabajo se describen dos nuevas especies (crassus y similis) del género Phenacoccus Cockerell, y se da el nombre específico tucumanus a una tercera; todas fueron encontradas en la provincia de Tucumán.

Se describe una nueva especie de Spilococcus que ataca raíces de Gamochaeta spicata (Compositae) en la provincia de Tucumán. Spilococcus radicalis es la primera especie de este género encontrada en Argentina.

The functional response of Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) to different population densities of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was investigated under laboratory conditions of 65 ± 5% R.H., a photoperiod of 14L : 10D and at temperatures of 25, 30 and 35 ± 1°C. Two, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32 and 64 third instar nymphs of P. solenopsis were exposed to newly emerged mated female parasitoids for 24 h. The parasitoid exhibited a type II functional response at all temperatures. The searching efficiencies (a) and handling times (Th) were 0.1818 h-1 and 5.0012 h at 25°C, 0.1382 h-1 and 3.2807 h at 30°C, and 0.2097 h-1 and 2.3635 h at 35°C, respectively. The maximum attack rates (T/Th) were 4.8, 7.3 and 10.2 nymphs at 25, 30 and 35°C, respectively. This indicates that A. bambawalei is more likely to be an effective biological control agent of P. solenopsis in warm seasons.

Tenuisvalvae notata preys upon several mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a group of worldwide pests including Planococcus citri and Ferrisia dasyrilii. Although the consequences of variation in temperature for the development and reproduction of insects are generally appreciated, the consequences of potential interactions between temperature and prey for predatory insects are not. Thermal requirements and predation rates were determined for T. notata at different constant temperatures with both prey species. T. notata larvae developed to adults in experimental conditions > 18 to <38 °C. The upper thermal limit for egg hatch was 34 °C and for pupation was 33 °C. Adults reared at ≥32 °C did not lay eggs and survived less than 1 week. Prey species did not affect lower temperature thresholds or thermal constants for development from egg to adult. Furthermore, prey did not affect a number of reproductive traits, but the interaction between temperature and prey affected changes in developmental times and oviposition rate with age. Predation rate of T. notata increased as a function of temperature, and T. notata adults generally consumed more nymphs of P. citri than F. dasyrilii. These findings indicate that T. notata is well adapted to the tropical and sub‐tropical temperatures and may prove useful for the biological control of some native and non‐native mealybugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Coffee is one of the most important Brazilian agricultural commodities exported, and Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo States are the main coffee producers. Scale insects are important coffee pests, and 73 species of Cerococcidae (3), Coccidae (18), Diaspididae (6), Eriococcidae (1), Ortheziidae (3), Pseudococcidae (21), Putoidae (2) and Rhizoecidae (19) have been associated with roots, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits of Arabica coffee in the Neotropics. Eight species were found associated with Arabica coffee in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo States in this study, and Coccidae was the most frequent family. Coccus alpinus, Cc. celatus, Cc. lizeri, Cc. viridis, and Saissetia coffeae (Coccidae) were found in both states; Alecanochiton marquesi, Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Diaspididae), and Dysmicoccus texensis (Pseudococcidae) were only found in Minas Gerais. Alecanochiton marquesi and P. trilobitiformis are first reported in Minas Gerais, and Cc. alpinus in Espírito Santo, on Arabica coffee. All scale insect species were associated with coffee leaves and branches, except D. texensis, associated with coffee roots. Fourty seven scale insect species have been found occurring in Brazilian Arabica coffee, and in Espírito Santo (28) and Minas Gerais (23). Widespread and geographical distribution of each species found are discussed.

Dysmicoccus brevipes Cockerell, 1893 is a species belonging to the family pseudococcidae, current pest of pineapple crops managed in a conventional and organic way. Its importance lies in the direct and indirect damage it causes to plants and fruits, resulting in crop losses. His biology was studied at a temperature of 27°C and relative humidity of 80% in the Laboratory of Entomology of the University of Córdoba. Dysmicoccus. brevipes were obtained from organically managed pineapple plants in commercial lots in San Antero Córdoba, Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an extremely polyphagous invasive pest that can cause serious damages to cultivated plants. The pest is native to America but invaded Asian and Mediterranean countries during the last decades. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Solanaceae) is an economic relevant crop worldwide and its production can be threatened by numerous insect pests including P. solenopsis. We recorded for the first time P. solenopsis in association with tomato in greenhouse crops and urban landscapes in Sicily (Italy) during the fall season in 2020. The species was identified as P. solenopsis based on the morphological characters and DNA amplification of an ≈800 bp portion of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene. The phylogenetic analysis among the obtained P. solenopsis mtCOI sequences with those already available in GenBank suggests Asian countries as a potential source of new introduction. This is the first record of P. solenopsis attacking tomato plants in Italy and may represent a potential threat for tomato production in Europe and nearby countries. For this reason, actions should be taken to avoid the uncontrolled spread of this alien species.

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are considered pest insects of economic importance in grapevine crops. They are highly polyphagous, feeding on host plants of about 250 families. This study aimed to identify host plants for mealybugs in grapevine crops, in the São Francisco Valley region, Brazil. The samples included weeds, ornamentals, windbreaks, fruit trees and native plants of the Caatinga biome. A total of 37 species of host plants for mealybugs were identified, distributed in 18 families. The Malvaceae family was the most frequent one, with eigth host species identified, followed by Fabaceae with four and Euphorbiaceae with three. Most of these host plants are being recorded here for the first time in association with mealybugs species. From the identified plant species, 24 are hosts for Maconelicoccus hirsutus, 16 for Phenacoccus solenopsis, one for Ferrisia virgata, one for Dysmicoccus brevipes and one for Planococcus citri. The obtained results are important to better understand the host plant diversity for mealybugs, in order to implement integrated pest management programs.

The Comstock mealybug, Pseudococcus comstocki (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a primary pest of orchards in the North and Northwest of China. This pest appeared recently in Europe, including Italy, where it is infesting mainly vineyards as well as apple and pear orchards. The present study investigated the efficacy of Anagyrus vladimiri, a known biological control agent (BCA) of Planococcus ficus, on P. comstocki to evaluate a potential use for the management of this new pest. No-choice tests were conducted to quantify the parasitoid behavior against P. ficus and P. comstocki. The parasitoid successfully parasitized both species (parasitization rate: 51% and 67% on P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively). The A.vladimiri developmental time (19.67 ± 1.12 vs. 19.70 ± 1.07 days), sex ratio (1.16 ± 1.12 vs. 1.58 ± 1.07) and hind tibia length of the progeny showed no differences when P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively, were exploited as hosts. Two-choice tests, conducted by providing the parasitoid with a mixed population of P. ficus and P. comstocki, showed no host preference for either of the two mealybug species (23 vs. 27 first choices on P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively). The parasitization rate (61.5% and 64.5% in P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively) did not differ between the two hosts. Overall, our study adds basic knowledge on parasitoid behavior and host preferences and confirms the use of this economically important encyrtid species as an effective BCA against the invasive Comstock mealybug.

[Display omitted] • Natural parasitism of Pseudococcus longispinus was highly variable among Mediterranean persimmon orchards. • We tested whether hyperparasitoids affected the biological control of this invasive mealybug. • Three hyperparasitoid species attacked the main parasitoid Anagyrus fusciventris in persimmon. • Hyperparasitism did not affect the population growth rate of P. longispinus within the same year. • Several strategies are proposed to enhance biological control of P. longispinus. The long-tailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus , represents a threat for several crops worldwide and has become the main pest of Mediterranean persimmon. Parasitoids are the primary natural enemies of P. longispinus, but their efficacy is highly variable among crops and countries. Here, we tested whether hyperparasitoids hinder the biological control of P. longispinus in Mediterranean persimmon. For this aim, we sampled 16 orchards across two consecutive years and measured the impact of primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids on P. longispinus. Anagyrus fusciventris was the most abundant and widely distributed primary parasitoid. Population growth rate of the mealybug became negative when parasitism was higher than 30%. The hyperparasitoids Chartocerus sp. and Prochiloneurus sp. emerged mostly from large mealybug mummies that were used by A. fusciventris females. However, and contrary to our hypothesis, hyperparasitism did not affect the population growth rate of P. longispinus within the same year , suggesting that the high abundance of hyperparasitoids did not disrupt the biological control of this invasive mealybug. Based on these results, we propose several strategies based on conservation and augmentative biological control to improve the management of P. longispinus in persimmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]