Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae) Dieback Caused by Praelongorthezia praelonga (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae)

Abstract

Bauhinia variegata (Fabaceae), an exotic tree used in urban forestry and landscaping in Brazil, is predisposed to damage by phytophagous insects, especially under stress conditions. The mealybug Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas 1981) (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae) is a generalist pest. Here we report damage and potential mortality of B. variegata trees by P. praelonga in the urban environment at Montes Claros municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. This insect damages the host directly through feeding, and indirectly by supporting growth of sooty mold over the leaves. A total of 17 B. variegata trees were surveyed in a main street of Montes Claros during 2016 and 2017. Praelongorthezia praelonga was observed in 41.2% of the trees in 2016, including 23.5% of them with the crown completely attacked, 11.8% with two-thirds of the crown attacked, 5.9% of them with one-third of the crown attacked, and the remaining without injuries. Apis mellifera L. and Trigona spinipes (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were associated with this pest outbreak, feeding on the honeydew secreted by the mealybugs. The presence, damage severity, and mortality of B. variegata trees by P. praelonga suggest a possible phytosanitary threat by this mealybug in urban forestry.