Distribution, abundance and seasonality of scale insects in sugarcane crops in the state of São Paulo

In the state of São Paulo, the main sugarcane producing region of the world, two species of scale insects have frequently occurred, Aclerda takahashii (Kuwana, 1932) (Hemiptera: Aclerdidae) and Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). To map the distribution and abundance of these species, 17 sugarcane producing fields, distributed in six mesoregions in São Paulo, were evaluated in August 2017 and, January, February, June and July 2018 during the ripening phase. The study on the seasonality of these species, by the presence or absence of the scale insects during the phenological cycle of the plant, was conducted between August 2017 and July 2018 in two sugarcane producing fields in the municipality of Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil. The presence of S. sacchari was found in all the analyzed locations, and A. takahashii in twelve. Both scale insects showed significant difference of infestation in the node’s region of the stems during the ripening phase in one of the studied locations. The aclerdid presented significant difference by infestation in one site during the ripening phase of the plant. The pseudococcid infested a greater number of nodes in the following phases of development; vegetative, grand growth and ripening in both studied areas, but it was in one site during the ripening phase that presented the greatest difference. Although the pink sugarcane mealybug was more abundant than A. takahashii in both studies, there were no patterns of relationships between the numbers of individuals to geographical locations and temperature.

Bioecology of Anagyrus saccharicola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the pink sugarcane mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Parasitoids can be used as biological agents of pest control. Anagyrus saccharicola Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a parasitoid of the pink sugarcane mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Although this mealybug is present in all sugarcane-producing countries, there is limited information regarding this pest and its parasitoid. Aiming to elucidate information on bioecological parameters of A. saccharicola, were evaluated the survival of parasitoid females and males at three temperatures, the host preference of the parasitoid, and the fecundity and longevity of the host. In addition, the parasitism rate of A. saccharicola was estimated based on three factors, feeding, mating, and time. Survival was evaluated at 20, 25, and 30°C. Host preference was conducted on 15-, 20-, and 30-day-old mealybugs. And the parasitism rate was evaluated in fed and unfed, mated and unmated parasitoids and with 24 h and newly emerged. The temperature of 20°C was the most favorable for parasitoid survival. Parasitism occurred at all evaluated ages of the mealybug; however, the preference was for those that were 30-days-old. The parasitized mealybugs longevity was approximately 8 additional days after parasitization, and non-parasitized mealybugs lived for an additional 20 days for mealybugs aged 30 and 20 days at the outset of the tests, and a further 13 days for the 15 days. Feeding and mating after 24 h of emergence resulted in a higher parasitism rate. These findings can contribute to more efficient rearing of A. saccharicola and in the planning of the biological control of S. sacchari in the integrated pest management programs.

Description of a new species of cecidomyiid (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) predator of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on sugarcane

Diadiplosis saccharum sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is described based on male and female prey on nymphs of mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Saccharum spp. (Poaceae) in São Paulo State, Brazil. Herein, the genus is composed by 33 species. The key of the eight species of the Diadiplosis distributed in Brazil is updated.

Complex of Natural Enemies Associated With Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) on Sugarcane in Brazil

A survey of the natural enemies of Aclerda takahashii (Kuwana, 1932) (Hemiptera: Aclerdidae) and Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was carried out in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of ten associations were recorded, six parasitoid-host and four predator-prey, which three are new: parasitoids of the genus Eurytoma (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) and Hambletonia (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) associated with A. takahashii and S. sacchari, respectively; and the predator of the genus Diadiplosis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) with a S. sacchari. Anagyrus saccharicola Timberlake, 1932 and Mariola flava Noyes, 1980 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are reported for the first time in Brazil.

Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) on sugarcane in Colombia, with description of a new species of Tillancoccus Ben-Dov (Coccidae)

Herein we describe a new species, Tillancoccus koreguajae Caballero & Ramos, sp. n. (Hemiptera: Coccidae) from Colombia collected on sugarcane. Pinnaspis strachani (Cooley) is also recorded on sugarcane for the first time worldwide. An updated list of seven species of Coccomorpha on sugarcane in Colombia is provided, including information on its distribution, biology, and mutualistic ants for each species. Seven species of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) have been recorded previously on sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum L. (Poaceae) in Colombia: Pseudococcidae: Dysmicoccus boninsis (Kuwana), D. brevipes (Cockerell), Pseudococcus calceolariae (Maskell), Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell); Coccidae: Pulvinaria elongata Newstead; Diaspididae: Duplachionaspis divergens (Green) and Serenaspis minima (Maskell). However, the record of S. minima in Colombia is considered doubtful as there are no voucher specimens from Colombia and because the distribution of this species is currently limited to the Australasian region. Pseudococcus calceolariae is present in Colombia but its record on sugarcane is also doubtful. A taxonomic key for the identification of scale insects on sugarcane in Colombia is provided.