Abstract

ISIORDIA-AQUINO, Néstor et al. Ornamental species associated with pink hibiscus mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Nayarit. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.spe3, pp.483-493. ISSN 2007-0934.

The study was conducted in 2009 in order to understand the diversity of ornamental species susceptible to the hibiscus mealybug attack, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) and, to determine the incidence and severity of this insect infestation. The weekly samplings in 28 plant species were quantified mealybug individuals, present in 9 101 sampling sites in seven municipalities, in marginal, urban, agricultural and nursery areas. This pest was detected in 2 435 sites (26.7%), with infestation of 25.7, 0.9 and 0.1 % for low, medium and high levels, respectively. Plant species identified with the highest incidence of the pest, were Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., (37.4%), H. tiliaceaus Arruda (29%) and H. mutabilis, (14.4%); for H. rosa-sinensis, municipalities that were identified with the highest pest-host association were Acaponeta (59.3%), Santiago Ixcuintla (44.2%) and Rosamorada (37.5%). Montanoa grandiflora Alamán ex DC and Solandra sp., were identified as new hosts of hibiscus mealybug, both in level 1 of infestation.

Keywords : Maconellicoccus hirsutus; hibiscus pests; ornamental pests; quarantine pests.