FIELD CONTROL OF THE WHITE SCALE INSECT "PARLATORIA BLANCHARDII" TARG. (HOMOPTERA: DIASPIDIDAE) WITH AQUEOUS SHOOT EXTRACT OF ARGEL (SOLENOSTEMMA ARGEL)(Del) Hayne

Abstract

This study was carried out under field conditions at Al-Gurair Agricultural Scheme in Marawi Governorate at Northern State, in two villages (Elssafa and Goss Hindi), during the period from November 2004 to September 2005 , to evaluate the efficacy of Argel (Hargal) Solenostemma argel (Del.) shoot aqueous extract against the White scale insect Parlatoria VI blanchardii (Targ.) and their effect on the yield of date palm trees. Argel (Hargal) shoot aqueous extract was tested at Three rates (which were: 1ounce / 6L. of water./ tree, 2 ounces / 6L of water./ tree and 3 ounces / 6 L. of water./ tree) as spray, using a knapsack sprayer, in addition to soil treatment. The results showed that Argel (Hargal) shoot aqueous extract when used as spray at all tested rates increased mortality rate of adult females of Parlatoria blanchardii (Targ.) compared with untreated control after 7 days of application, when argel (Hargal) shoot powder was dissolved for (48hr.) in water . Effect of Argel (Hargal) shoot powder and that of the aqueous extract on date palm yields were also studied. All tested rates when applied, increased the yields of date palm trees compared to untreated control. In farm (4) the increase of yield was significant (P>0.05). Argel (Hargal) shoot powder or aqueous extract at (1ounce/ 6L. of water /tree) is recommended for control of white scale insect Parlatoria blanchardii on date VII ‫.‪late May of the year‬‬