Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae) dieback caused by Praelongorthezia praelonga (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae)
Abstract
Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae), an exotic tree used in urban forestry and landscaping in Brazil, is predisposed to damage by phytophagous insects, especially under stress conditions. The mealybug Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas 1981) (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae) is a generalist pest. Here we report damage and potential mortality of B. variegata trees by P. praelonga in the urban environment at Montes Claros municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This insect damages the host directly through feeding, and indirectly by supporting growth of sooty mold over the leaves. A total of 17 B. variegata trees were surveyed in a main street of Montes Claros during 2016 and 2017. Praelongorthezia praelonga was observed in 41.2% of the trees in 2016, including 23.5% of them with the crown completely attacked, 11.8% with two-thirds of the crown attacked, 5.9% of them with onethird of the crown attacked, and the remaining without injuries. Apis mellifera L. and Trigona spinipes (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were associated with this pest outbreak, feeding on the honeydew secreted by the mealybugs. The presence, damage severity, and mortality of B. variegata trees by P. praelonga suggest a possible phytosanitary threat by this mealybug in urban forestry.
Sumário
Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae), uma árvore exótica utilizada na arborização urbana e paisagismo no Brasil, é predisposta a danos por insetos fitófagos especialmente em condições de estresse. A cochonilha Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas, 1981) (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae) é uma praga generalista. Neste estudo, nós registramos os danos e a mortalidade potencial de árvores de B. variegata por P. praelonga no ambiente urbano no município de Montes Claros, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Esse inseto danifica os hospedeiros diretamente, pela alimentação e, indiretamente, pela formação de fumagina sobre as folhas. Um total de 17 árvores de B. variegata foi vistoriado em uma das principais avenidas de Montes Claros, durante 2016 e 2017. Praelongorthezia praelonga foi observada em 41,2% das árvores em 2016, com 23,5% delas com a copa toda atacada, 11,8% com dois terços da copa atacada, 5,9% com um terço da copa atacada, e o restante sem injúrias. Apis mellifera L. e Trigona spinipes (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foram encontradas associadas com essa praga, se alimentando do honeydew secretado pela cochonilha. A presença, severidade de danos e mortalidade de árvores de B. variegata por P. praelonga sugere uma possível ameaça fitossanitária dessa cochonilha para a arborização urbana.
Key Words: Hemiptera; invasive species; mealybug; urban forestry
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