Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet EditionCassava Amblypelta dieback (019)
Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet EditionCassava Amblypelta dieback (019)
Summary
- Narrow distribution. Southeast Asia, Oceania. On Eucalyptus deglupta and cassava, causing shoot-tip wilt and dieback, nut fall of coconut and pod distortion on cocoa. Also on papaya, mango and passionfruit. Several species. An important pest.
- Eggs laid on or near to the host; nymphs brown with long legs. Adults similar, up to 20 mm, and winged.
- Long needle-like mouth parts cause fruit spotting and distortions, fruit drop, stem cankers, and wilts.
- Natural enemies: encourage ants, e.g., Oecophylla.
- Cultural control: difficult as a few insects do much damage; early morning handpicking (cassava).
- Chemical control: PDPs: derris, or pyrethrum; or synthetic pyrethroids and malathion.
Common Name
Cassava shoot dieback, coconut premature nut fall
Scientific Name
Amblypelta species. The species on cassava has not been determined.
AUTHORS Helen Tsatsia & Grahame Jackson
Information from CABI (2017) Amblypelta cocophaga (coconut bug). Crop Protection Compendium. (www.cabi.org/cpc). Photos 1&2 Brisbane Insects and Spiders website. (http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_coreidbugs/GreenCoonBugs.htm). Photo 5 Michael Atuai. PNG LNG Livelihood Restoration Team.
Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
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