Bionomics of Pollinia pollini (Costa) (Hemiptera: Asterolecanidae) in Egypt

Pollinia pollini (Costa) (Hemiptera: Asterolecanidae) is considered as one of the most important pest infesting olive trees in Egypt. The aim of this work is to study the survey of host plants, geographical distribution and natural enemies as well as the dynamic of P. pollini on olive trees in Egypt. The obtained results indicated that P. pollini infested only olive trees in two Governorates. These are Alexandria and Fayoum Governorates. No parasitoid species were collected and recorded in the present work. Three species of predators were recorded that attacked P. pollini in Egypt. These are the coccinellids, Coccinella undecimpunctata L., Scymnus seriacus Mars. and the Neuroptera species, Chrysoperlla carnae Steph. Also the present study included the dynamics of P. pollini and its predators on olive trees in Alexandria Governorate during 2010 and 2011. Statistical analysis of the effect of weather factors on the population of P. pollini during the 2 years under consideration was discussed. It was concluded that maximum, minimum temperatures and % relative humidity are significant on the population of P. pollini. The trend over both years indicated the occurrence of two generations per year for P. pollini on olive trees in Alexandria.