The Most Invasive Scale Insects and Mealybugs on Coffee Plants, <em>Coffea arabica</em> L. In Egypt, Their Associated Natural Enemies and Their Management with Recommended Insecticides

Author : Marwa, E. S. Amer; Enayat, M. Elqady and Lamiaa, H.Y. Mohamed

During the last decade, Coffea arabica L. was considered a promising crop in Egypt, which was attacked by various species of mealybugs and scale insects, and causing generous damage to plants. This study was carried out in Giza governorate, during two successive seasons 2020-2021 and 2021- 2022 on coffee plants on experimental research garden of the Horticultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza Governorate, Egypt. The presented work was carried out to survey many species of mealybugs and scale insects which attacked coffee plants and the associated predators and parasitoids as well as investigate the population fluctuation of the striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata and the associated natural enemies in addition to, the effects of the main climatic factors on the F. virgata population.  Biweekly. samples were taken for the following years, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.The results indicated that all stages of the striped mealybug, F. virgata in the first season had one peak on the leaves of coffee plants, which was recorded at the beginning of October during the first year of study also, had only one peak occurred during the second season of study, which was at the beginning of November. The results showed that the maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity had significant positive effects on all individuals of F. virgata. Finally, controlling of F. virgata by using some recommended treatments. The application of spraying was applied during October, 2020 and November 2021 which was the most suitable time for chemical control as well as, the most efficient on all individuals of F. virgata. As well as, all treatments had higher effectiveness on the nymphal stage than adult females. Also, data indicated that the most efficiency treatment was the mixture of Malathion 57 %EC + KZ oil followed by Malathion 57 %EC. Bioranza was high effect than Biovar and KZ oil had less effectiveness on F. virgata different stages.

Keywords : Ferrisia virgata; Coffea arabica L; Ecological studies; Chemical control.,

Received:1/16/2023 12:00:00 AM; Accepted: 2/28/2023 12:00:00 AM