Climate change impact on population of parlatoria date scale insect: Effect of climatic factors (current and further) and scenarios of RCPs on population density of Parlatoria blanchardii - Tapa blanda

The parlatoria date scale insect, Parlatoria blanchardii (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a serious pest on date palm trees in Egypt. The adults and nymphs of this insect sucking great amount of plant sap that give low rates of photosynthesis and respiration which leads to curling, yellowing, dryness and leaves shedding. The subsequent damage leads to considerable quality and quantity yield losses and also marketing value of the fruits. A characteristic symptom of infestation by P. blanchardii is appearance and accumulation of its scales on attacked palm parts. The present work was carried out to study the impact of climatic factors (current (average from 2009 to 2013 years)and future climatic conditions (2050 and 2100 years))and climate change scenarios((RCP 2.6 – RCP 4.5 – RCP 6.0 and RCP 8.5)during three time series (2011-2040, 2041-2070 and 2071-2100) on population density of P. blanchardii infesting date palm treesat Esna district, Luxor Governorate, Egypt.

Dr. of Plant Protection (Economic Entomology)at Plant Protection Research Institute and Head of Department Plant Protection - Station of Agricultural Research El-Matanaa, Esna, Luxor, Egypt.