A survey of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) and tending ants in Tunisian vineyards

Abstract

In 2009, two mealybug species Planococcus ficus (Signoret) and Planococcus citri (Risso) and an armoured scale species, Hemiberlesia lataniae (Signoret) were recorded throughout Tunisian table-grape vineyards. P. ficus was by far the most widespread scale insect species within the investigated grape growing areas and was also recorded on fig trees. Among 31 inspected vineyards, 8 were non-infested, 16 slightly to moderately infested, and 7 highly infested by mealybugs. Therefore, the latter are principal pests in vineyards and should be sustainably managed to avoid major crop losses on grapevine. Six ant species were found in Tunisian mealybug-infested table-grape vineyards. They are Tetramorium semilaeve André, Plagiolepis schmitzii (Forel), Tapinoma nigerrimum (Nylander), Crematogaster schmidti (Mayr), Pheidole pallidula (Nylander) and Pheidole teneriffana Forel. The four latter species were reported tending mealybugs on grapevines. T. nigerrimum was found to be the ant most associated with the pseudococcid mealybugs. Our findings are new data for Tunisian grape-growing areas and will contribute to enhance Integrated Pest Management programs in vineyards.