<em>INGLISIA</em> <em>BIVALVATA</em> GREEN (HEMIPTERA:COCCIDAE), CAUSAL AGENT FOR THE DIEBACK AND DEATH OF SANDAL (<em>SANTALUM</em> <em>ALBUM</em>)

Abstract

Inglisia bivalvata Green (Hemiptera: Coccidae) causes dieback of branches and, in severe cases, death of saplings and young trees of sandal, Santalum album. Scales are attached to twigs. Female scales look like bivalved shells. While adult males are winged, females are wingless and sedentary. Nymphs move out from underneath the scales of females and settle on tender branches to suck the sap. Insects occur throughout the year. Parasites and predators help in the biological control of this pest. Five hymenopteran parasites are reported for the first time from this coccid. Quinalphos and chlorpyriphos were found to be effective in controlling the pest attack. In this study, Polyalthia longifolia, P. pendula, Acacia mangium and Dalbergia sissoo are reported as new plant hosts.