First Report of the Crapemyrtle Aphid Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Hemiptera : Aphididae) and its Relate Natural Enemies in Gabon
Poligui René Noel *
Crops Production Department, National Higher Institute of Agronomy and Biotechnology (INSAB), University of Sciences and Technologies of Masuku (USTM), Gabon.
Apinda Legnouo Emelie Arlette
Research Institute in Tropical Ecology (IRET), National Center for Scientific and Technological Research (CENAREST), Gabon.
Nzandi Henri
Crops Production Department, National Higher Institute of Agronomy and Biotechnology (INSAB), University of Sciences and Technologies of Masuku (USTM), Gabon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A study was carried out among some green spaces in Gabon, mainly in Libreville, Lambarene, Mouila, Franceville and Mitzic, from August 2019 to October 2021. The aim was to assess the presence and impact of the japanese aphid Tinocallis kahawaluokalani Kirkaldy (Hemiptera : Aphididae), and its relate natural enemies, using one time visual observations on Crapemyrtle shrubs. This ornamental plant pest was recorded, occurring on leaves of Lagerstroemia indica (L.) Pers. (Lythraceae). Seven local beneficial insect species were observed predating on this aphid, mainly three hoverflies Ischiodon aegyptius Wiedemann, Paragus borbonicus Macquart, Asarkina sp. (Diptera : Syrphidae), three ladybird species Platynaspis capicola Crotch, Scymnus interruptus Goeze and Chilocorus nigritus Fabricus (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae), and the brown lacewing Micromus sp. (Neuroptera : Hemerobiidae), as natural enemies of T. kahawaluokalani, hilighting a local promizing way for biocontrol of this pest. These findings are a new record for this insect pest from the Gabon and Africa.
Keywords: Tinocallis kahawaluokalani, leaf infestation, Lagerstroemia indica, natural enemies, biocontrol