POPULATION DYNAMIC OF THE BROWN SOFT SCALE, Coccus hesperidum L. (HEMIPTERA: COCCIDAE) INFESTING THE ORNAMENTAL PLANT, Nerium oleander UNDER ASSIUT GOVERNORATE CONDITIONS.

        The ornamental plant Nerium oleander L. was inspected as a host of the brown soft scale, Coccus hesperidum L. The present study was carried out in the Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, during two successive seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014.  Data from both seasons revealed that the highest numbers of nymphs and the total number of the pest were recorded during the 1^stweek of August. The highest percentages of the total monthly mean count (out of the total year count) were found to be 21.11 and 19.45 %, in July during the 1^st and 2^nd years. In addition, it has four generations per year under field conditions. Metaphycus luteolus Timberlake was the only wasp species found to parasitize on C. hesperidum. Parasitism rate reached 5.31% during the first year of the study. The brown soft scale was able to resist parasitization by encapsulating the parasitoid’s eggs. Maximum encapsulation rate was estimated up to 2.19% of adult scales. Predation rate reached 3% and it was attributed to the coccinellid, Chilocorus bipustulatus (L). The effects of weather elements on the pest population were also possible. This aforementioned information can be taken into consideration when developing a plan for sustainable control strategy for this pest in Egypt.