Assessing the threat posed to forest and horticultural plants by invasive insect species in Northern Areas of Pakistan. A field survey of mealy bug outbreak in Baltistan.

Abstract

CABI SA undertook a field survey on the request of Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock to assess the status of an invasive pest species (mealy bug) which had caused widespread damage to forest and fruit trees in Skardu District. A team of scientists conducted a field survey from September 15-27, 2008 and held meetings with the concerned stakeholders. The pest species recorded is different from the mealy bugs attacking cotton, citrus mango and sugarcane. For authentic identifications, samples of both mealy bug and its predator were sent to the Natural History Museum UK. The mealy bug has been identified as Drosicha sp. det. Martin & Gullan (Monophlebidae: Coccoidea: Hemiptera) and its predator as Sumnius vestitus (Mulsant) det. Booth (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera).

Citation

Aqeel Nawaz Khan; Ahmad, S. Assessing the threat posed to forest and horticultural plants by invasive insect species in Northern Areas of Pakistan. A field survey of mealy bug outbreak in Baltistan. (2008) 19 pp.

Assessing the threat posed to forest and horticultural plants by invasive insect species in Northern Areas of Pakistan. A field survey of mealy bug outbreak in Baltistan.

Published 1 January 2008