Identification and monitoring of mealybugs (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) associated with coffee under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

The aims of the present work were: a) to identify the mealybug species associated with commercial varieties of coffee, Catimor and Sachimor, in the greenhouses of Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens do Cafeeiro, Oeiras, Portugal; b) to study the dynamics of infestation of Planococcus citri (Risso), by visual observation and pheromone male trapping in the varieties Catimor and Sachimor, under greenhouse conditions; and c) to compare the colonization rate and development of P. citri in two coffee genotypes, one susceptible to coffee leaf rust (Caturra vermelho CIFC 19/1) and one resistant (Catimor CIFC 45).

Two species of mealybugs were identified, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green and P. citri. The variety Catimor was the most susceptible to P. citri. No significant differences were observed in the development time of P. citri among the studied varieties. Nevertheless, the rate of colonization by mealybugs was higher in Caturra CIFC 19/1.