Work

First report of the giant conifer aphid, Cinara pinivora (Wilson) and the Monterey pine aphid, Essigella californica (Essig) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in South Africa

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Pine aphids represent a significant group of insect pests in coniferous ecosystems worldwide. To assess pine aphid prevalence and potentially new introductions in South Africa, aphid samples from various pine-growing regions were collected through national surveys conducted by the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP) and directly sent from landowners to the FABI Diagnostic Clinic. Morphological examination and DNA barcoding confirmed two previously unreported aphid species as Cinara pinivora and Essigella californica. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these North American native aphids in South Africa. This study provides an important reference for future research aimed at safeguarding South Africa’s pine plantations against emerging threats from invasive aphid species.

Source: Southern Forests a Journal of Forest Science

DOI: 10.2989/20702620.2024.2394218

Authors: Privilege T Makunde, Bernard Slippers, Brett P Hurley

Institutions: Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria

Language: English

Topic: Hemiptera Insect Studies

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: University of Pretoria