Studies on the population dynamics of Lepidosaphes pallida (Green). I. Distribution on mango trees.
Salama H. S., Hamdy M. K.
Author Affiliation: Laboratory of Plant Protection, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
Zeitschrift fur Angewandte Entomologie 73 : 82-92
Abstract : In 1968-69, the population dynamics of Insulaspis (Lepidosaphes) pallidus (Green) were investigated in a mango orchard in Egypt, where the Diaspidid is one of the major pests of fruit trees. There were three generations a year, with a peak of abundance in January and lesser peaks in April and October. The average number of eggs produced (including those laid and those found still within the females) varied from 15.3/female in January to 32.5/female in May, and the ratio of males to females from 1:1.9 in July to 1:1 in January. The distribution of scales on mango trees was investigated, and it was found that the population tended to be accumulated on the lower rather than the middle and upper zones of the trees. This was related to temperature, wind and light intensity.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:Height had a greater effect than orientation on insect distribution; they tended to accumulate in the lower zones of the trees.