Spatial distribution of the plum scale insect, Parlatoria oleae (Colvee) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) infesting mango trees in Egypt

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the spatial distribution for monitoring populations of Parlatoria oleae (Colvee) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) infesting mango trees during two successive years (2016–2018) in Luxor Governorate, Egypt. The obtained results showed that insect population of P. oleae occurred on mango trees all the year round and has three peaks of seasonal activity per year, which was recorded in October, April and July during the first year (2016/2017) and through in November, April and July during the second year (2017/2018). Data were analyzed using twenty one distribution indices. All indices of distribution indicated significant aggregation behaviour in each year, except, the K values of the negative binomial distribution of the total P. oleae population ranged about 15-17 for each year during the two successive years, indicating random behavior. The results of this research can be used to draft monitoring methods for this pest and establishing IPM strategies for P. oleae.