Identification of an aphelinid parasitoid on hemispherical scale insect, Saissetia coffeae (Walker, 1852) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on olive and fig trees, quantification of parasitism rate and potential as biocontrol agent of the insect

Saissetia coffeae (Walker, 1852) is a serious insect pest on olive and fig trees in the Palestinian Territories, it sucks the sap of infested trees and secretes honey dew which interferes with photosynthesis by attracting the sooty mold fungus. The objectives of present research were: firstly, to identify and describe of an indigenous parasitoid on S. coffeae infesting olive and fig trees in the Palestinian Territories; and secondly, to assess the parasitoid’s efficacy against S. coffeae on olive and fig trees. Results indicated that the parasitoid was identified as Coccophagus rusti Compere, 1928 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and a detailed description of the parasitoid was provided in this respect. The parasitism rate of the parasitoid on S. coffeae varied significantly with the altitude of sampled localities, it ranged from 14.84 – 64.92% at 635 and 82 m above sea level, respectively, on fig trees, and from 12.68 – 47.25% at 635 and 82 m above sea level, respectively, on olive trees. The overall average rate of parasitism was 42.10% and 29.75% on fig and olive trees, respectively. In conclusion, the high rate of parasitism on S. coffeae makes the parasitoid as potential biocontrol agent of the insect on olive and fig trees.