الحشرة القشرية البيضاء Parlatoria blanchardi (Targioni-Tozzetti, 1892)‎ (Diaspididae : Homoptera)‎ آفة مهمه على نخيل التمر Phoenix Dactylifera L

Abstract EN

The white scale insect Parlatoria blanchardi Targ.

(Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is one of the most dangerous pests of date palm trees, Phoenix dactylifera L, which is a crop that plays a central role in the economy and social life in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The white scale insect infects the fronds and fruits of the date palm trees by sucking the plant sap through its mouth parts, which subsequently causes deformities, defoliation and death of the fronds due to the insect’s poisonous saliva, resulting in reduced yields and also reduced photosynthesis and respiration resulting in leaf curling, yellowing and shedding.

Scale insects on date palms are among the most common arthropod pests that are difficult to control because of the morphological characteristics that protect them from insecticides.

Adults and nymphs are covered with a waxy layer that prevents pesticides from contacting their bodies.

It is important to find new and innovative ways to control the white scale insects by repelling the insects creeping which may prevent it from settling on the host plant.