Some Ecological Aspects on Mango White Scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis and Associated Natural Enemies Infesting Mango Trees in Qalyubiya Govrnorate [(Hemiptera :Sternorrhyncha :Diaspididae)]

Abstract

Ecological studies on scale insect infesting mango trees were carried out at the Farm of Faculty of Agriculture , Shoubra EL-Kheima throughout two successive years 2012 & 2013. Results showed that mango trees were infested by four diaspdid species. Aulacaspis tubercularis, Lepidosaphes pallidula, Parlatoria oleae, Lidingaspis floridana Seasonal abundance of these species revealed that A. tubercularis was the most dominate species. Two hymeopterous parasitoids, Aphytis mytiaspidis and Encarsia citrini and two predacious mites one from Cheyletidae and another from Stigmaeidae, were found associated with these species. Seasonal fluctuation of different developmental stages of A. tubercularis throughout the both years, recorded three peaks for total numbers of alive population, as well as three peaks for immature stages and two peaks for adult stages. This scale insect recorded its maximum activity during autumn and early winter seasons. The natural enemies found associated with this species recorded two main periods of seasonal activity. The first period winter season, while the second during late and early summer. This diaspid species recorded 3-4 generations per year throughout the both years. Therefore, it could be concluded that the proper time for spraying mineral oil to control this pest must be during autumn after harvesting the fruits where the most insect population of immature stages as well as to avoid harmful effects on natural enemies found associated with these scale insects