Sex Ratio, Age Structure and Parasitism in Unaspis mabilis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in the Philippines

Lanzones scale insect (LSI) has been an important pest of lanzones since its first record in 2004. It causes massive defoliation on trees which eventually results to underdeveloped and sour fruits. Different lanzones-growing areas the Philippines were surveyed for LSI along with associated parasitoids commercial farms located Laguna (Los Baños,Nagcarlan Sta. Maria), Oriental Mindoro (Villa Cerveza, Villa San Gabriel-Alcate), Negros (Abante-Pamplona, Poblacion - Pamplona, Lunga, Valencia, Talisay Occidental, Jawa-Valencia, Lunga-Valencia, Bongbong), Misamis Occidental (Aloran Calamba, Oroquieta, Sapang Dalaga, Plaridel), Camiguin (Catarman, Poblacion, Sagay, Tagdo, Mahinog), North Cotabato (Makilala, Kidapawan, Kabacan) Sulu (Maimbung, Patikol,Talipao). From each collection site, a total 10 infested sampled at random leaflets (N=10) collected four cardinal directions around canopy. Leaflets scanned, photographed, transported laboratory. Population estimates local population was obtained demographic structure viz. age male-female sex ratio. The sample per tree kept individually customized cages parasitoid emergence determination parasitization rate. Parasitoids identified as Aphytis sp., Encarsia sp. 2 other unidentified species. percent parasitism quite high compared Cotabato. Results this study will contribute basic knowledge needed improve control strategy LSI.