Association of a native predator Chilocorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) with a new exotic mango pest, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Ethiopia
Loading...
Date
2017-07
Authors
Djirata, Ofgaa
Getu, Emana
Kahuthia-Gathu, Ruth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Entomological Society of Israel
Abstract
White Mango Scale Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, 1906 was reported
for the first time in 2010 from mango orchards belonging to Green Focus
Ethiopia Ltd in western Ethiopia. It was hypothesized that the pest could enter
Ethiopia with mango seedlings imported by the same company. The present
study surveyed natural enemies of the pest and their population dynamics in
western Ethiopia. Larvae of Chilocorus sp. (Coleoptera:
Coccinelidae) were
found feeding ravenously on live mango scales. There was a statistically significant
(p<0.05) positive correlation between the A. tubercularis and Chilocorus
sp. populations in both orchards, implying that the predator was not
suppressing the pest population. There was no significant difference in the
mean numbers of the predatory larva populations between Arjo and Bako
orchards
(p>0.05). Populations of White Mango Scale and its predator
showed remarkably similar fluctuations, with their abundancies reaching
peaks during same months. It has been concluded that the native predator
got associated with the exotic insect pest recently, and its population may
gradually
build up. It is suggested that implementation of Chilocorus sp. as
a biocontrol agent would be a sound strategy in the management of White
Mango Scale in western Ethiopia, together with other control options
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Aulacaspis tubercularis, White Mango Scale, Chilocorus sp., Coccinellidae, Ethiopia, Pest control, Population dynamics
Citation
Israel Journal of Entomology, Vol. 47, pp. 1–8 (4 July 2017)