Abstract

GONZALEZ-GAONA, Ernesto et al. Validation of two pheromonal compounds for monitoring pink hibiscus mealybug in Mexico. Agrociencia [online]. 2010, vol.44, n.1, pp.65-73. ISSN 2521-9766.

In 2004 an infestation of pink hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus [Green]) was detected in Valle de Banderas, Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, affecting fruit trees, native and ornamental plants. This insect pest is of Asian-Australian origin and has economic importance in several countries. The method most often used to detect M. hirsutus in new localities consists of the ocular inspection of the plants; however, with this method detection occurs when the infestation is very evident. An alternative method for this task can be the use of the male attracting pheromone of M. hirsutus, composed of esters of lavandulyl and maconellyl. In the present study an evaluation was made of the attraction effect of the pheromone of M. hirsutus in Valle de Banderas, in a teak (Tectona grandis L.) plantation, in a natural guanacaste stand (Enterolobium cyclocarpum [Jacq.] Griseb.), in a mango (Mangifera indica L. cv Ataulfo) and in a soursop orchard (Anona muricata L.). Furthermore, the pheromone was used to determine the geographic dispersal of the pest from the place where it was first detected. It was found that the mixture of lavandulyl and maconellyl in a 1:5 ratio significantly attracted males of M. hirsutus and was very specific. With the use of this pheromone it was possible to map the distribution of this species on a regional scale.

Keywords : Anona muricata; Enterolobium cyclocarpum; Maconellicoccus hirsutus; Mangifera indica; Tectona grandis; monitoring of exotic pests.