Review of the date plam white scale (Parlatoria Blanchardi Targ) (Homoptera: Diaspididae)

Abstract

Date palm white scale insect is one of the most dangerous pests that threaten the date palm production in Sudan. It attacks all parts of the try but mostly the leaves. Our study aims to evaluate the physiological and anatomical effects of the in insect on the leaves of date palm. We found that there was a reduction in leaves’ moisture; the reduction was more serious when the infestation rate is high. There was also a reduction in the total concentration of the absolute and optical chlorophyll, as well as pigments (chlorophyll a and b). We didn’t observe any effect on the stomatal density of the leaves even when the infestation is heavy, the histological sections of the leaves also didn’t show any difference or abnormal structure in tissues