EVALUATION OF NATIVE PREDATOR FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF OLIVE BLACK SCALE SAISSETIA OLEAE (OLIVER) (HEMIPTERA: COCCIDAE)

Abstract

The olive tree may be attacked by several insect pests, especially the black Scale, which is associated with this plant throughout its cycle, could limit the production due to leaf drop and poor fruit set. This study aims to evaluate the behavior of the predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus Dallas (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in olive black scale. Females of P. nigrispinus were placed in Petri dishes, individually, receiving only water in cotton balls for five days. After this, were offered to females of the predator, individuals of black scale in different stages (1st, 2nd and 3rd immatures instar) or adults, fixed in olive leaves. The predatory behavior of females of P. nigrispinus was observed continuously for 12 hours. Podisus nigrispinus showed no predatory activity of olive black scale in laboratory conditions.

Keywords

• Insect Herbivore
• Zoophytophagy
• Biological Control