Pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), infesting citrus trees in Morocco

Abstract

In the coastal area of North-Western Morocco, 43 sites in four provinces were surveyed between spring 2022 and autumn 2023 for the presence of pest scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) on citrus trees. A known citrus pest species, pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894) (Coccidae), was found at four sites. This is the first paper reporting pyriform scale on citrus in Morocco so a species description based on 62 slide-mounted adult females is provided. Currently, P. pyriformis is not causing damage on citrus in Morocco, but potentially it might become a pest on this crop or other commercial fruit crops, such as avocado. Populations of P. pyriformis therefore should be monitored to detect any spread of the scale to other areas and crops. The infestations were found to be associated with a predator Chilocorus bipustulatus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and two parasitic wasps: an ectoparasitoid, Aphytis sp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), and an unidentified endoparasitoid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea).