Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7038-3230
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Ward, Samuel F.
Committee Member
Chase, Kevin D.
Committee Member
Riggins, John J.
Committee Member
Schulz, Ashley N.
Date of Degree
5-12-2023
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Agricultural Life Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology
Abstract
Non-native scale insects can be economically and ecologically important pests of urban forests. Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS), Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is a scale that causes declines in plant vigor for a popular ornamental tree in the southeastern United States, crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.). CMBS has spread rapidly throughout the Southeast and, more recently, into the Middle Atlantic. Despite problems associated with CMBS, important aspects of its ecology, such as the role of propagule pressure in establishment and the relative importance of mechanisms for between-tree dispersal, are not well-understood. We used field and laboratory studies to investigate these aspects of CMBS population ecology, finding that just one female CMBS ovisac can establish new populations and that nymphs are dislodged at low wind speeds (7 m/s) from crapemyrtle twigs. Our results highlight the importance of thorough phytosanitation practices in crapemyrtle nurseries and provide evidence for wind-mediated and phoretic dispersal by CMBS.
Recommended Citation
Wright, Erika Renee, "Determining the importance of propagule pressure and dispersal mechanisms for the establishment and spread of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 5818.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5818