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Posted by ka
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Posted by ka
You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov.
Posted by ka
You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov.
Posted by ka
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Posted by ka
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Posted by ka
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Posted by ka
Kyle Beucke, 2800 Gateway Oaks Dr, Sacramento, CA, 95833, 916-403-6741, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov
Updated by ls
In 2018, this scale was found in Solano County on Ligustrum sp. bonsai that had been purchased in Fresno County. This scale currently has a Q-rating. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.
Background: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola is a polyphagous scale that is reported to feed on plants in 15 families. Among the recorded hosts are fruit and ornamental trees, including Carica, Malus, and Prunus species (Agnello et al., 2015; Follett, 2000; Miller and Davidson, 2005). Death of trees can result from feeding by this scale (Miller and Davidson, 2005).
There is some uncertainty regarding the species identity of P. prunicola. This scale was considered a synonym of P. pentagona until 1980. Kreiter et al. (1999) reported individuals in a single population that could be identified morphologically as either species. Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is an A-rated (by CDFA) pest that is highly polyphagous and is reported to cause damage to a wide variety of plants, including peaches in the southeastern United States and papaya in Hawaii (Branscome, 1999; Follett, 2000).
Worldwide Distribution: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola is thought to be native to temperate China or Japan (Miller and Davidson, 2005). It has been introduced to Europe, the eastern United States, and Hawaii. In the eastern United States, it is reported from Florida north to Massachusetts (Miller and Davidson, 2005).
Official Control: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola does not appear to be under official control in any country. However, P. pentagona, which has been considered by some to be a senior synonym of P. prunicola, is a regulated pest in some countries (EPPO Global Database, 2018).
California Distribution: Although P. prunicola has been collected at times in the state, this species does not appear to be established in California.
California Interceptions: The P. prunicola found on Ligustrum sp. bonsai in Solano County in 2018 represents the only interception of this species in California.
The risk Pseudaulacaspis prunicola would pose to California is evaluated below.
Consequences of Introduction:
1) Climate/Host Interaction: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola has proven itself capable of becoming established in a variety of climates, and it is highly polyphagous. It could probably establish a widespread distribution in California. Therefore, prunicola receives a High (3) in this category.
– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.
– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.
– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.
2) Known Pest Host Range: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola is reported to feed on plants in at least 15 families. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.
– Low (1) has a very limited host range.
– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.
– High (3) has a wide host range.
3) Pest Reproductive and Dispersal Potential: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola is likely to be transported via movement of infested plants. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.
– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.
4) Economic Impact: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola is reported to attack fruit and ornamental trees. Feeding damage is reported to cause death of trees. Infestations of this scale could lower crop yield and increase production costs. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.
Economic Impact: A, B
A. The pest could lower crop yield.
B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).
C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).
D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.
E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.
F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.
G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.
Economic Impact Score: 2
– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.
– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.
– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.
5) Environmental Impact: This scale is reported to kill ornamental trees. Infestations could trigger treatment programs. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.
Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.
Environmental Impact: D, E
A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.
B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.
C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.
D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.
E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.
Environmental Impact Score: 3
– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.
– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.
– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.
Add up the total score and include it here.
–Low = 5-8 points
–Medium = 9-12 points
–High = 13-15 points
6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Pseudaulacaspis prunicola is not known to be present in California. It receives a Not Established (0) in this category.
–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.
–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).
–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (13)
There is taxonomic uncertainty regarding P. prunicola and P. pentagona; they have been considered to be the same species. As P. pentagona is A-rated and is also not known to be present in California, the main implication of this uncertainty appears to be that the potential impact of P. prunicola could be greater than that considered in this PRP because there are additional hosts and additional climatic niche space reported for P. pentagona.
Pseudaulacaspis prunicola is a highly polyphagous scale that is not known to be present in California. It has the potential to cause economic and environmental impacts in the state if it was to become established. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.
Agnello, A., Jentsch, P., and Kain, D. 2015. Prebloom problemas. Scaffolds Fruit Journal 24:1-3.
Branscome, D. 1999. Pseudaulacaspis pentagona. Accessed October 2, 2018: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/scales/white_peach_scale.htm
California Department of Food and Agriculture. Pest and damage record database. Accessed September 28, 2018:
https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx
EPPO Global Database. 2018. Accessed October 4, 2018: https://gd.eppo.int/
Follett, P. A. 2000. Arthropod pests of papaya in Hawaii. Chronica Horticulturae 40:7-10.
Kreiter, P., Panis, A., and Tourniaire, R. 1999. Variabilite morphologique chez Pseudaulacaspis pentagona Targioni Tozzetti dans une population du sud-est de la France (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Annales de la Société Entomologique de France 35:33-36.
Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed September 27, 2018:
http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu
Miller, D. R. and Davidson, J. A. 2005. Armored scale insect pests of trees and shrubs (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY.
Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov
12/6/2018 – 1/20/2019
You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.
♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.
Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]
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♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.
Posted by ls
An infestation of Hypogeococcus pungens was discovered on cacti in a recreation area in Orange County in September 2018. This mealybug currently has a Q-rating. A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.
Background: Hypogeococcus pungens is a mealybug that has been reported to attack at least six genera of cacti as well as plants in the families Amaranthaceae, Polygonaceae, and Portulaceae (Hodges, 2009; Zimmermann et al., 2010). Cactus feeding is concentrated on portions of the plant that are actively growing. This results in distorted growth, including curling branches and growth of new, deformed branches that are sometimes referred to as galls (Le Quay-Velázquez et al., 2015). Death can take years, especially in older plants, but feeding has an immediate impact of fruit production because the mealybugs are concentrated on developing flowers. Therefore, this mealybug can have a severe impact on cactus reproduction (Patterson et al., 2011).
Natural dispersal appears to be limited but may include wind dispersal in the first instar (Zimmermann et al., 2010). Movement of plants is probably the most effective means of spread of this mealybug.
In the 1970s and 1980s, this mealybug was introduced to Australia and South Africa as part of biological control programs targeting introduced cacti, including Harrisia spp. This mealybug was credited as an effective biological control agent, helping to clear cacti from thousands of hectares.
Aguirre et al. (2016) provided evidence that more than one species may be currently identified as H. pungens. Specimens collected from the type host plant (Amaranthaceae) did not produce viable offspring or did not survive at all on cacti. The cactus-feeding H. pungens introduced to Australia for biological control of cacti had been collected from cacti in Argentina. Significantly, the H. pungens in Australia have not been found on Amaranthaceae, even though this family of plants is common in Australia. The mealybug in Florida rarely attacks cacti but it is common on Alternanthera (Polygonaceae) and Portulaca (Portulaceae) species. In addition, the Amaranthaceae-feeding H. pungens are reported to be parthenogenetic, whereas the cactus-feeding mealybug is not. This evidence suggests there are likely at least two species currently recognized as H. pungens; one that feeds on cacti (native to South America and introduced to Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean, and possibly California) and one that feeds on Amaranthaceae and other plant families (also native to South America and introduced to Florida).
In addition, H. pungens has been misidentified as H. festerianus in the past (CABI, 2018).
In areas with native cacti but where H. pungens is not native to, there is concern that the mealybug could have an impact on native cacti. Hypogeococcus pungens was reported to cause severe damage to native cacti in Puerto Rico, including reducing the density of cactus stems (Weaver, 2011).
Worldwide Distribution: Hypogeococcus pungens is native to South America (northern Argentina, western Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru). It has been introduced to Australia, the Caribbean (including the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico), Europe (France, Greece, and Italy), South Africa, and the United States (Florida and Hawaii) (German-Ramirez et al., 2014; Hodges, 2009; Milonas et al., 2008; Pellizzari and Sacco, 2010; Segarra-Carmona et al., 2010). As of 2009, it was reported from 26 counties in Florida (Hodges, 2009).
Official Control: Hypogeococcus pungens is considered Reportable by the USDA (USDA-APHIS).
California Distribution: Hypogeococcus pungens was found in California in Beverly Hills in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018 and in a recreation area in Orange County in 2018. Both of these infestations are now under eradication, and this species is not known to be present anywhere else in the state.
California Interceptions: Hypogeococcus pungens was found on cacti at one residence in Beverly Hills (in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018), in a recreation area in Orange County in 2018, and in nurseries in Riverside, Orange, San Diego, and San Mateo County in 2004, 2011, 2012, and 2018. It was intercepted on alternanthera and ludwigia plants from Florida in 2002 and 2004 (see comment on host breadth and taxonomic uncertainty, above).
The risk Hypogeococcus pungens would pose to California is evaluated below.
1) Climate/Host Interaction: Hypogeococcus pungens has been reported from areas that vary in climate from temperate to semi-arid to tropical. It has been reported to feed on plants in four families. It could possibly establish a widespread distribution in California. Therefore, pungens receives a High (3) in this category.
– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.
– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.
– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.
2) Known Pest Host Range: Four plant families are reported to be attacked by mealybugs that were identified as pungens. Although it is possible that multiple species with different feeding habits are being lumped together in this PRP (see Background, above, and Uncertainty, below), it is necessary to consider characteristics of what has been (and are likely to be) identified as H. pungens. Therefore, H. pungens receives a Medium (2) in this category.
– Low (1) has a very limited host range.
– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.
– High (3) has a wide host range.
3) Pest Reproductive and Dispersal Potential: Some pungens are reported to be parthenogenetic, but see Background, above. Natural dispersal ability appears to be limited, with wind-dispersal of first instar nymphs being reported as likely. Movement of infested cactus plants is another likely mode of dispersal. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.
– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.
4) Economic Impact: Hypogeococcus pungens is likely to infest cacti in nurseries if it became established in California. This could lead to higher costs of production. Additionally, the presence of this mealybug could lead to a loss in cactus markets, as this pest threatens native cacti in other countries, including Mexico. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.
Economic Impact: B, C
A. The pest could lower crop yield.
B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).
C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).
D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.
E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.
F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.
G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.
Economic Impact Score: 2
– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.
– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.
– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.
5) Environmental Impact: There are 38 native cacti in California, including 8 endemic species (Jepson Herbarium, 2018), that could be threatened by this mealybug, including the rare golden-spined cereus (Bergerocactus emoryi (Engelm.) Britton & Rose) and the San Diego barrel cactus (Ferocactus viridescens (Torr. & A. Gray) Britton & Rose). Infestations of this mealybug could trigger treatments and could impact ornamental cactus plantings. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.
Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.
Environmental Impact: B, D, E
A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.
B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.
C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.
D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.
E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.
Environmental Impact Score: 3
– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.
– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.
– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.
Add up the total score and include it here.
–Low = 5-8 points
–Medium = 9-12 points
–High = 13-15 points
6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Hypogeococcus pungens is not known to be established in California. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.
–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.
–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).
–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12)
There is significant uncertainty regarding the identity of the mealybugs identified as H. pungens. As described in the Background (above), there may be at least two species that are currently identified as H. pungens; one that feeds on cacti and one that feeds on other plants, including Amaranthaceae. This makes it difficult to extrapolate impacts of H. pungens observed in other places to California. For example, H. pungens is reported to be widely distributed in Florida, but this does not appear to be the cactus-feeding form. In this PRP, characteristics and possible impacts of the mealybugs identified as H. pungens were considered because, in the absence of further systematic work on these mealybugs, they are likely to be similarly identified as H. pungens if intercepted in California.
Hypogeococcus pungens or a cryptic species that is currently identified as H. pungens attacks cacti and poses a threat to cacti in California, both rare, native species as well as those cultivated as ornamentals in nurseries. Besides the infestations that are under eradication, this mealybug is not known to be established in California. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.
Aguirre, M. B., Diaz-Soltero, H., Claps, L. E., Saracho Bottero, A., Triapitsyn, S., Hasson, E., and Logarzo, G. A. 2016. Studies on the biology of Hypogeococcus pungens (sensu stricto) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Argentina to aid the identification of the mealybug pest of Cactaceae in Puerto Rico. Journal of Insect Science 16:1-7.
California Department of Food and Agriculture. Pest and damage record database. Accessed October 5, 2018: https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx
CABI. 2018. Invasive Species Compendium. Hypogeococcus pungens (cactus mealybug) datasheet. Accessed October 5, 2018: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/110614
German-Ramirez, E., Kairo, M. T. K., Stocks, I., Haseeb, M., and Serra, C. A. 2014. New record of Hypogeococcus pungens (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Dominican Republic with comments on specific characters. Florida Entomologist 97:320-321.
Hodges, A. 2009. Hypogeococcus pungens Granara de Willink (Insects: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Accessed September 24, 2018: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/mealybug/hypogeococcus_pungens.htm
Jepson Herbarium. 2018. Jepson eFLora. Accessed October 5, 2018:
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM_stats.html.
Le Quay-Velázquez, G., Ciomperlik, M., and Rodrigues, J. C. V. 2015. Gall formation on the endangered cactus, Leptocereus quadricostatus caused by the invasive mealybug, Hypogeococcus pungens (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Proceedings of the Caribbean Food Crops Society 51:174-180.
Milonas, P. G., Kozár, F., and Kontodimas, D. C. 2008. List of scale insects of Greece. pp. 143-147 in Branco M., Franco J.C., and Hodgson C. (eds.), Proceedings of the XI International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies. ISA Press, Lisbon, Portugal.
Paterson, I. D., Hoffmann, J. H., Klein, H., Mathenge, C. W., Neser, S., and Zimmermann, H. G. 2011. Biological control of Cactaceae in South Africa 19:230-246.
Pellizzari, G., and Sacco, M. 2010. Le cocciniglie delle piante ornamentali in Liguria. Protezione delle Colture 4:27-36.
Segarra-Carmona, A. E., Ramírez-Lluch, A., Cabrera-Asencio, I., and Jiménez-López, A. N. 2010. First report of a new invasive mealybug, the Harrisia cactus Hypogeococcus pungens (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico 94:183-187.
USDA-APHIS. U.S. regulated plant pest table. Accessed September 26, 2018:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/rppl/rppl-table
Weaver, P. L. 2011. Early recovery of subtropical dry forest in south-western Puerto Rico. Bois et Forêts de Tropiques 310:12-23.
Zimmermann, H. G., Pérez, M., Cuen, S., Mandujano, M. C., and Golubov, J. 2010. The South American mealybug that threatens North American cacti. Cactus and Succulent Journal 82:105-107.
Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov
12/6/2018 – 1/20/2019
You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.
♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.
Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]
♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.
♦ Comments may not be posted if they:
Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;
Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;
Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;
Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.
♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.
♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.
Posted by ls
In March 2018, an infestation of Fiorinia phantasma was discovered on 27 roadside palm trees in Miami, Florida (Ahmad and Miller, 2018). This species is already present in Hawaii where it is a significant pest of ornamentals. During May 2018, Fiorinia phantasma was intercepted on a shipment of unidentified leaves from American Samoa. This species has a Q rating. A pest rating proposal is required to assign a permanent rating to this species.
Background: Fiorinia phantasma is a polyphagous armored scale and is considered a significant pest of nursery plants particularly ornamental palms (Arecaceae). It has been transported worldwide by movement of live nursery plants (Brooks, 2012 and Watson et-al., 2015). Female scales inconsistently show red stripes, running the width of the scale covering. Male and females can be found intermingled on the undersides of leaves. Eggs are large and can reach more than 1/5 of the body size of females. Crawlers begin to colonize the top side of leaves when populations reach high densities (Garcia and Hara, 2011).
Fiorinia phantasma causes yellow blotches on the upper leaf surface of host plants. Intense feeding damage is caused due to heavy infestations, resulting in leaf drop. In Hawaii, this scale impacts local nursery and landscape industry and poses an additional quarantine problem for exporters (Garcia and Hara, 2011).
In addition to palms, Fiorinia phantasma also feeds on shower tree (Cassia spp.), lobster claw (Heliconia caribaea), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), naio (Myoporum sandwichense), mock orange (Murraya peniculata), pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira), wax leaf privet (Ligustrum japonicum), and bread fruit (Artocarpus altilis) (NPDN- Pacific pest detector news).
Worldwide Distribution: Fiorinia phantasma was first found in the Philippine islands in 1915. It is currently known in American Samoa, France, French Polynesia, Grenada, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nauru, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Reunion, Saint Martin and St. Barthelemy, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam (Watson et- al., 2015).
The first report of F. phantasma from the continental Unites States was recorded from a Canary island date palm on March 1, 2018 in Miami- Dade county, Florida. Heavy infestations have also been reported on palms in Hawaii (Garcia and Hara 2011 & Watson et-al., 2015).
Official Control: Fiorinia phantasma is listed as a harmful organism in the Republic of Korea (USDA PCIT).
California Distribution: Fiorinia phantasma is not present in the natural environment of California.
California Interceptions: Fiorinia phantasma has been intercepted 11 times by CDFA between 2010 and 2018 through regulatory pathways mainly through high risk pest exclusion activities and dog program inspections (CDFA PDR Database).
The risk Fiorinia phantasma (tea scale of camellia) would pose to California is evaluated below.
1) Climate/Host Interaction: Tropical and subtropical climate in the south coast of California is suitable for growing many palm trees. Other hosts plants including oleander, plumeria, cassia, weeping fig, pittosporum, podocarpus and murraya are grown throughout California. Fiorinia phantasma is likely to survive where these host plants are grown. It receives a High (3) in this category.
Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:
– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.
– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.
– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.
2) Known Pest Host Range: Fiorinina phantasma is known to feed on a wide range of host plants in 44 genera in 24 families. It has preference for Arecaceae (palm trees). Other families include Araceae, Apocynaceae, Calophyllaceae, Commilinaceae, Cycadaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Heliconiacaea, Lauracaea, Malvaceae, Melicaceae, Moraceae, Oleaceae, Orchidaceae, Pandanaceae, Pittosporaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Strelitziaceae (García Morales et al., 2016). It receives a High (3) in this category.
Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:
– Low (1) has a very limited host range.
– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.
– High (3) has a wide host range.
3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Fiorinina phantasma remains active throughout the year in warmer climates. Female lays approximately 10-15 eggs under its armor. Crawlers hatch in 10 days. The infestation actively spreads in crawler phase. Life cycle is completed in 1.5 – 2 months. It is spread in Hawaii by inter- island transport of nursery plants (Garcia and Hara, 2011, Watson et al., 2015). In California, if Fiorinia phantasma gets introduced and established, it is likely to move long distances through movement of infested nursery and landscape plants especially palm trees. It receives a High (3) in this category.
Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:
– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.
4) Economic Impact: Fiorinina phantasma is known to cause serious damage on areca palms in landscapes. Feeding by this species results in yellowing of leaves, leaf drop, loss of plant vigor, stunting of the host and even death of the plant. It is reported to have infested 6000 palm trees in the republic of Maldives (Watson et-al., 2015). If this species is introduced and gets established in palm growing and landscapes of south coast, it is likely to impact trade, including palms grown in nurseries. Possible use of horticultural oils and systemic insecticides for its control can increase production costs (García Morales et al., 2016). It receives a High (3) in this category.
Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below.
Economic Impact: A, B, C
A. The pest could lower crop yield.
B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).
C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).
D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.
E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.
F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.
G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.
Economic Impact Score: 3
– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.
– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.
– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.
5) Environmental Impact: The establishment of Fiorinina phantasma in California is likely to impact nursery and landscape plants as it can spread through transport of nursery plants. This species is not expected to lower biodiversity, change ecosystems and affect any threatened or endangered species. Since camellias, palms and other hosts are planted in home gardens, infestations would likely trigger chemical treatments by homeowners. It receives a Medium (2) in this category.
Evaluate the environmental impacts of the pest on California using the following criterion:
Environmental Impact: D
A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.
B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.
C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.
D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.
E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.
Score the pest for Environmental Impact: 2
– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.
– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.
– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.
Add up the total score and include it here.
-Low = 5-8 points
-Medium = 9-12 points
-High = 13-15 points
6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Fiorinia phantasma has not been detected in the natural environment of California. It receives Not established (0) in this category
Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records of specimens identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included.
–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California or known only from incursions.
-Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).
–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (14)
Fiorinia phantasma has been intercepted by CDFA in shipments of leucodendron, Psidium guajava, Annona muricata, boxwood and podocarpus. There are many nurseries in southern and central California that specialize in these hosts and different kinds of palm trees, the main hosts of this scale. Therefore, nursery and landscape plants may potentially be significantly impacted. There have not been any recent formal surveys of nurseries and palm growing areas for the presence of this species. It is possible that this scale could be present in some parts of California.
Fiorinia phantasma has never been found in the environment of California. Since there are several of its hosts plants being grown and propagated in CA, it would likely have significant economic and environmental impacts if this scale become established in California. An “A” rating is justified.
Ahmad, M, and Miller, D. 2018. First U.S. Continental Record of Fiorinia phantasma Cockerell & Robinson (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Phantasma Scale, Potential Pest of Palms and Ornamentals Plants. Pest Alert. Publication: FDACS-P-01880. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer resources. Division of Plant Industry. Accessed 8/3/2018 https://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/79840/2332158/Pest_Alert_-_Fiorinia_phantasma.pdf
Brooks, F. 2012. Pacific Pest Detector News. A Quarterly Newsletter for First Detectors. March- May 2012, Number 9. National Plant Diagnostics Network. Accessed 8/6/2018 https://www.npdn.org/system/files/WPDN%20PacPestDetectNews_Mar-May2012.pdf
Cockerell, T. D. A., and Robinson E. 1915. — Descriptions and records of Coccidae. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 34: 105–113
Garcia, J., and Hara, A. 2011. Fiorinia phantasma Cockerell & Robinson (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). New Pest Advisory, Plant Pest Control Branch, Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture, State of Hawaii 1: 1-2. Accessed 8/6/2018 https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2013/01/Fiorinia-phantasma-NPA.pdf
Morales, G.M. Denno, B.D., Miller, D.R., Miller, G.L., Ben-Dov, Y., and Hardy, N.B. 2016. ScaleNet: A literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics. Database. Accessed 8/3/2018 http://scalenet.info. http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Fiorinia%20phantasma/
Pest and Damage Record Database. 2018. Fiorinia phantasma. Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. California Department of Food and Agriculture. Accessed 8/2/2018 http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/user/frmLogon2.asp
USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). Harmful organism report: Fiorinia phantasma. Accessed: 8/2/2018 https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/
Watson, G.W., Williams, D.J., and Miller, D.R. 2015. The identity and distribution of Fiorinia phantasma (Cockerell & Robinson) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), with a new synonym. Zootaxa 4048: 291-300.
Raj Randhawa, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Room 221, Sacramento CA 95814, (916) 403-6617, raj.randhawa@cdfa.ca.gov
Kyle Beucke, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Room 221, Sacramento CA 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@] cdfa.ca.gov.
11/26/2018 – 1/10/2019
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Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]
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Posted by ls
A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.
Background: Hemiberlesia palmae is a widely-distributed armored scale. This highly polyphagous species has been reported to feed on plants in at least 92 genera in 53 families. Reported hosts include avocado, banana, bromeliads, cactus, citrus, coffee, mango, olive, palms (including coconut), and at least one species of fern (Agricultural Research Service, 1969; García Morales et al., 2016; Kondo and Muñoz, 2016; McKenzie, 1956; Santos and Wolff, 2015; Sepúlveda et al., 2010; Thuy et al., 2011). Although it is a widespread species and feeds on many economically-important plants, no information was found suggesting that it is a significant pest (Dekle, 1976; Granara De Willink and Claps, 2003; Nuñez, 2008). Feeding is reported to cause yellow spots on leaves (Schmutterer, 1971). Hemiberlesia palmae is reported to be parthenogenetic (Brown, 1965).
Worldwide Distribution: Hemiberlesia palmae is apparently of neotropical origin, but it has been established over a wide area. It has been reported from Europe (including Spain, Portugal, and in greenhouses in the United Kingdom), Africa (including Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zaire), Asia (including China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam), Australia, the Caribbean (including Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, and Jamaica), Central America (including Guatemala and Panama), New Guinea, numerous Pacific islands, South America (including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru), and North America (Mexico and the United States, where it is reported from Alabama, Florida, and Puerto Rico) (Amún and Claps, 2015; Ben-Dov and Sánchez-García, 2015; Culik et al., 2011; De Lotto, 1967; Franco et al., 2011; García Morales et al., 2016; Germain et al., 2008; González and Charlín, 1968; Granara De Willink and Claps, 2003; Kondo and Muñoz, 2016; Malumphy, 2012; Malumphy, 2014; Miller, 2005; Ponsonby, 1994; Szent-Ivany and Catley, 1960; Thuy et al., 2011; Vasquez et al., 2002; Waltman et al., 2016; Williams, 1973). Some (possibly most) of the records from more temperate areas (e.g., Europe) were associated with greenhouses.
Official Control: Hemiberlesia palmae is regulated in New Zealand and is a controlled pest in Korea (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2016).
California Distribution: Although Hemiberlesia palmae has been found at various times in nurseries in California, it is not currently known to be established in the state.
California Interceptions: Hemiberlesia palmae has been intercepted numerous times on plant material from various origins, including Florida, Central America, and South America (California Department of Food and Agriculture).
The risk Hemiberlesia palmae would pose to California is evaluated below.
1) Climate/Host Interaction: Hemiberlesia palmae is highly polyphagous and availability of host plants is not likely to limit its potential distribution in California. The known distribution of this species includes many tropical and subtropical areas, but some records are from desert areas as well, for example, the Azapa Valley in Chile (González and Charlín, 1968). It seems likely that climate would limit the potential distribution of this scale to the warmer southern portions of the state. Therefore, Hemiberlesia palmae receives a Medium (2) in this category.
– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.
– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.
– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.
2) Known Pest Host Range: Hemiberlesia palmae is highly polyphagous and has been reported to feed on plants in at least 53 families. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.
– Low (1) has a very limited host range.
– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.
– High (3) has a wide host range.
3) Pest Reproductive and Dispersal Potential: Hemiberlesia palmae apparently has high reproductive and dispersal potential. It is parthenogenetic, so a female does not have to mate to produce viable offspring. The frequent interceptions on plant material indicate that it could be spread through that pathway. Therefore, it receives a High (3) in this category.
– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.
– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.
Economic Impact: Hemiberlesia palmae is regulated by some countries, and if it became established in California, this could lead to the loss of markets. If control measures were taken by growers to control this scale, it would likely increase production costs. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.
Economic Impact: B, C
A. The pest could lower crop yield.
B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).
C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).
D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.
E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.
F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.
G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.
Economic Impact Score: 2
– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.
– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.
– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.
5) Environmental Impact: If Hemiberlesia palmae became established in California, it would likely attack a wide variety of crop and ornamental plants, and this could trigger treatments. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.
Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.
Environmental Impact: D
A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.
B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.
C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.
D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.
E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.
Environmental Impact Score: 2
– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.
– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.
– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.
Add up the total score and include it here.
–Low = 5-8 points
–Medium = 9-12 points
–High = 13-15 points
6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Although Hemiberlesia palmae has been found in various nurseries in California, it has apparently been eradicated whenever found and is not considered to be established in the state. It receives a Not established (0) in this category.
–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.
–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).
–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.
7) The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12)
There is significant uncertainty regarding the ability of this scale to inflict significant damage on plants in California. Although this scale is widespread and feeds on a wide diversity of plants, including many economically important ones, no information was found quantifying damage caused by this feeding.
Hemiberlesia palmae is a highly polyphagous scale that could become a pest in California if it became established here. In addition, it is regulated by some countries and its presence in the state could impact trade. It is not known to be present in California. For these reasons, an “A” rating is justified.
Agricultural Research Service. 1969. Cooperative economic insect report 19. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Pest Control Division, Survey and Detection Operations.
Amún, C. and Claps, L. E. 2015. Listado actualizado de diaspídidos sobre frutos tropicales y primer registro de Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) para la Argentina. Insecta Mundi 0449:1-11.
Ben-Dov, Y. and Sánchez-García, I. 2015. New data on several species of scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from southern Spain. Boletín de la Sociedad Entomológica Aragonesa 56:313-317.
Brown, S.W. 1965. Chromosomal survey of the armored and palm scale insects (Coccoidea: Diaspididae and Phoenicoccidae). Hilgardia 36:189-294.
California Department of Food and Agriculture. Pest and damage record database. Accessed July 3, 2018:
https://pdr.cdfa.ca.gov/PDR/pdrmainmenu.aspx
Culik, M. P., Wolff, V. R. S., Peronti, A. L. B. G., Ben-Dov, Y., and Ventura, J. A. 2011. Hemiptera, Coccoidea: Distribution extension and new records for the states of Espírito Santo, Ceará, and Pernambuco, Brazil. Check List 7:567-570.
Dekle, G. W. 1976. Florida Armored Scale Insects. Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, Florida.
De Lotto, G. 1967. A contribution to the knowledge of the African Coccoidea (Homoptera). Journal of the Entomological Society of South Africa 29:109-120.
Food and Agriculture Organization. 2016. List of quarantine pests in Korea. Accessed July 6, 2018:
https://www.ippc.int/en/countries/republic-of-korea/reportingobligation/2014/04/the-list-of-quarantine-pest-2013/
Franco, J. C., Russo, A., and Marotta, S. 2011. An annotated checklist of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of Portugal, including Madeira and Azores Archipelagos. Zootaxa 3004:1-32.
García Morales, M., Denno, B. D., Miller, D. R., Miller, G. L., Ben-Dov, Y., and Hardy, N. B. 2016. ScaleNet: A literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics. Accessed July 20, 2018:
http://scalenet.info
Germain, J. F., Attie, M., Barbet, A., Franck, A., and Quilici, S. 2008. New scale insects recorded for the Comoros and Seychelles Islands. pp. 129–135. In Branco, M., J. C. Franco, and C. J. Hodgson. [Eds.]. Proceedings of the XI International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies, Oeiras, Portugal, 24–27 September 2007. ISA Press. Lisbon, Portugal. 322 pp.
González, R. H. and Charlín, R. 1968. Nota preliminar sobre los insectos coccoideos de Chile. Revista Chilena de Entomología 6:109-113.
Granara De Willink, M. C. and Claps, L. E. 2003. Cochinillas (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) presents en plantas ornamentals de la Argentina. Neotropical Entomology 32:625-637.
Kondo, T. and Muñoz, J. A. 2016. Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) associated with avocado crop, Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) in Valle del Cauca and neighboring departments of Colombia. Insecta Mundi 0465:1-24.
Malumphy, C. 2012. Arthropods intercepted on air plants (Tillandsia spp.) imported from Guatemala into England and Wales. Entomologist’s Gazette 63:54-62.
Malumphy, C. 2014. An annotated checklist of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of Saint Lucia, Lesser Antilles. Zootaxa 3846:069-086.
McKenzie, H. L. 1956. The Armored Scale Insects of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California.
Miller, D. R. 2005. Selected scale insect groups (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) in the southern region of the United States. Florida Entomologist 88:482-501.
Nuñez, E. 2008. Plagas de paltos y cítricos en Perú. 324-344 in Ripa, R. and Larral, P. (eds.) Manejo de Plagas en Paltos y Cítricos. Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, La Cruz, Chile.
Ponsonby, D. J. 1994. Biological control of glasshouse scale insects using the coccinellid predator, Chilocorus nigritus. Ph.D. thesis. University of London.
Santos, M. G. and dos Santos Wolff, V. R. 2015. Two species of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) associated with sori of ferns. EntomoBrasilis 8:232-234.
Schmutterer, H. 1971. Contribution to the knowledge of the crop pest fauna in Ethiopia. Zeitschrift für Angewandte Entomologie 67:371-389.
Sepúlveda C., G., Vargas C., H., Bobadilla G., D., Cajías A., E., and Gallo D., P. 2010. Protocolos de manejo de plagas bajo criterios de producción limpia en olivo. pp. 83-105 in A. Villavicencio and F. Tapia (eds.), Formulación de sistemas de producción limpia para los principales cultivos del valle de Azapa. Proyecto Innova Chile de Corfo, Arica, Chile.
Szent-Ivany, J. J. H. and Catley, A. 1960. Host plant and distribution records of some insects in New Guinea and adjacent islands. Pacific Insects 2:255-261.
Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network. Accessed July 20, 2018:
http://scan1.acis.ufl.edu
Thuy, N. T., Vuong, P. T., and Hung, H. Q. 2011. Composition of scale insects on coffee in Daklak, Vietnam and reproductive biology of Japanese mealybug, Planococcus kraunhiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Journal of the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences 17:29-37.
Vasquez, J., Delgado, C., Couturier, G., and Ferrero, D. M. 2002. Les insectes nuisibles au goyavier (Psidium guajava L.: Myrtaceae) en Amazonie péruvienne. Fruits 57:323-334.
Waltman, K. G., Ray, C. H., and Williams, M. L. 2016. The armored scale insects (Hemiptera Diaspididae) of Alabama, USA. REDIA 99:229-231.
Williams, D. J. 1973. Scale insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea) on macadamia. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 12:81-91.
Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov
8/22/18 – 10/6/18
You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.
♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.
Example Comment:
Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]
♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.
♦ Comments may not be posted if they:
Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;
Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;
Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;
Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.
♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.
♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.
Posted by ls
You must be logged in to post a comment.