SANGICOCCUS SP., A NEW RECORD OF PEST DEVASTATING COCONUT PALMS IN PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES
Abstract
Sangicoccus sp. nr. truncatispinus (Reyne) (Eriococcidae: Homoptera) is recorded for the first time as a major pest of coconut palms in the Philippines. It is also the first record among the coconut growing areas in the world. It sucks the plant sap resulting to chlorosis of leaves. Furthermore, honeydew droplets exuded by the pest accumulated on upper leaf surfaces become substrate for sootymolds.
The severe infestation observed in late 1980’s already spread to 6 out of 8 municipalities of the southern second district of Palawan. Presently, crop losses are estimated to reach 53% of the nut yield. The prevailing easterly and westerly wind directions of 1-5 m/sec coupled with the dense manner of planting enabled first instar nymphs (crawlers) to spread to other palms. The long dry spell also favored the proliferation of Sangicoccus sp.bv.
Controlling the spread and outbreak of this pest seems to be difficult as it thrives on eleven alternate hosts. Ant attendance contributed to dispersal and protection from natural enemies. Moreover, field population of ten predatory species remained minimal. Possible strategies for its control are presented.
References
BOOTH, R.G., and R.D. POPE. 1986. A review of the genus Cryptolaemus (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae) with particular reference to the species resembling C. montrouzieri Mulsant. Bull. Ent. Res. 76:701-717
CORDOVA, J.D. 1982. Some ants associated with some agricultural crops. B.S. Thesis, Univ. of the Philippines, Los Banos (Unpublished)
CUDJOE, A.R., P. NEUENSCHWANDER and M.J.W. COPLAND. 1993. Interference by ants in biological control of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Ghana. Bull. Ent. Res. 83:15-22
LIT.I.L. Jr. 1997. First report of the family Lecanodiaspididae and other new records and notes on Philippine Scale Insects (Coccoidea, Hemiptera). The Philipp. Entomologist. 11(2):87-95
PACUMBABA, E.P., A.R.R. ALFILER, MB. ZIPAGAN and M.L.C. REGALADO. 1994. Assessment of mealybug infestation in southern Palawan, PCA-ARC Travel Report. 30p.
Philippine Coconut Authority-Palawan Annual Report. 1996.
WATSON, G.W. 1996. Notes on the identity of the coconut mealybug from Southern Palawan. 1p
WILLIAMS, D.J. 1985. Australian Mealybugs. British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, U.K. 431 pp.
