Work

“Alien versus predator”: predatory effect of coccinellid Exochomus quadripustulatus on the scale insect Toumeyella parvicornis . An open‐field experimentation on the Pinus pinea of Rome

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The tortoise scale insect (Toumeyella parvicornis) is rapidly spreading in stone pine (Pinus pinea) forests and urban parks of Mediterranean Europe. Its current distribution and potential spread is concerning as, so far, it already includes three different European countries. Pest management strategies based on endotherapic treatments have a limited time coverage and are unfeasible on large scales. Biological control can be a valuable alternative to contain the spread of T. parvicornis, as highlighted by some recent studies conducted with predators under controlled conditions. Although promising outcomes, open-field efficacy is still poorly explored. This study aimed to fill this gap in knowledge through an open-field assessment of the predation impact of Exochomus quadripustulatus and its capability of reducing T. parvicornis infestation level. Adult ladybug females were released on stone pine groups divided as follows: (i) plants treated only with ladybugs, (ii) plants pre-treated with bio-insecticide prior the release of the ladybugs, and (iii) an untreated control. The stone pine groups that received the ladybugs application, showed a lower infestation level (in terms of T. parvicornis adult females) than the untreated control, for most of the evaluation period. Results showed, for the first time, evidence of E. quadripustulatus efficacy in open-field applications, confirming the previously positive outcomes observed under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The outcomes of this study, accordingly, open the door to future biological control programs.

Source: Insect Science

DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.70230

Authors: Nicolò Di Sora, Luca Rossini, Giulia Luziatelli, Mario Contarini, Stefano Speranza

Institutions: Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores

Language: English

Topic: Research on scale insects

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400