Biology, ecology and integrated pest management of the white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, a new pest in southern Spain - a review.

Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a tropical, cosmopolitan, polyphagous armored scale which is considered one of the key pests of mango crops around the world, because it produces conspicuous pink blemishes on the mango fruits, which depreciate their commercial value and make them unacceptable for export markets. If no control measures are taken, the pest can cause up to 90% yield losses in mango groves and may pose a threat to sustainability mango production. At present, control of A. tubercularis is based on the application of a reduced number of insecticides, most of which show a limited efficacy and are disruptive to beneficial insects. Considering the current European regulations on the sustainable use of phytosanitary products, the application of other management alternatives, such as the use of cultural control measures or biological control agents, is a priority. However, despite its economic importance, there is limited information on control methods for A. tubercularis , and most of the literature has focused on the description of its biological cycle and natural enemies in different mango producing regions. This report is an updated review on its biology, ecology and sustainable control measures, aimed to help in the development of integrated management strategies of this pest in the main mango growing areas of Spain and other countries of the Mediterranean Basin. • Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead is considered one of the most important pests of mango crops around the world. • A reduced number of insecticides are being mainly used for managing white mango scale, but their effectiveness is limited. • Biological control, involving parasitoids and predators, has played a key role in suppressing A. tubercularis. • Development of sustainable strategies to carry out an Integrated Pest Management program are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]