Biological control of mealybugs in persimmon orchards in Spain
Currently, mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) are a key pest in persimmon crops from Spain. These insects feed on plant phloem and excrete copious amount of honeydew, where subsequently sooty mold grow. This results in a decrease of photosynthetic capacity and the aesthetical damage of fruit. The cryptic be...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | poster |
| Language: | Inglés |
| Published: |
2021
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11939/7629 https://www.ishs.org/symposium/699 |
| Summary: | Currently, mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) are a key pest in persimmon crops from Spain. These insects feed on plant phloem and excrete copious amount of honeydew, where subsequently sooty mold grow. This results in a decrease of photosynthetic capacity and the aesthetical damage of fruit. The cryptic behavior of mealybugs, their difficult identification, and the symbiotic relationship they establish with ants make its management difficult. The aims of this study were to determine: I) the geographical and seasonal distribution of the main mealybug species in persimmon crops from the main persimmon producing area of Spain; II) their parasitoid complex and parasitism levels; and III) the interaction with ants. |
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