Influence of Infestation with the Scale Insect; Kilifia acuminata on the Leaves of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars in Egypt

Amin, Lobna R.; Tharwat, Asmaa A.; Helmy, Samah . M. Y.; Zaki, Dalia N.; Amin, T. R.

doi:10.21608/jppp.2025.409938.1366

Influence of Infestation with the Scale Insect; Kilifia acuminata on the Leaves of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Insect physiology department, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

² Scale insects and mealybugs department, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/jppp.2025.409938.1366

Abstract

The response of the infested mango leaves Mangifera indica L. different cultivars (Keitt, Alphonso and Fagriklan) to the infestation with the scale insect; Kilifia acuminata (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) was investigated. At Giza governorate, on mid-May-2023 which is the time of leaves collection for evaluation, Mango leaves were moderately infested by K. acuminata. The effect of this infestation on the primary and secondary metabolites of the different host plant cultivars, which were infested with different stages by K. acuminata was evaluated. The obtained results indicated a notable reduction in the primary metabolites examined (total proteins and total sugars), particularly in the Keitt variety. With respect to total phenols as a studied secondary metabolite, there was a significant increase in the total phenol content of the Alphonso variety. However, infestation with K. acuminata different developmental stages induced oxidative stress in different mango cultivars due to elevation of antioxidants, probably to counteract pest infestation effect. The data demonstrated that the Alphonso variety exhibited a higher level of oxidative stress compared to the Fagriklan and Keitt varieties. Mango cultivars differed in their defensive enzymes’ reaction to infestation. It could be concluded that the different mango cultivars differ in either their adversely affected active components or biochemical response to the pest which might be related to the degree of infestation. We anticipate that this information will help us better understand how mango leaves protect themselves from K. acuminata infestations and find new, effective IPM solutions that are safe for both humans and the environment.

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