Detection of New Infestation Foci and Geographic Distribution of Outbreaks of Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock, 1881) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) in Algeria
TL;DR
The results show that C. perniciosa is widely distributed in Algeria, affecting seventeen provinces located from the coast to the highlands, from east to west and the distribution of the species is not influenced by altitude or bioclimatic zones, indicating a strong capacity for ecological adaptation.
Abstract
The San José scale, Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock, 1881) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), is one of the most destructive pests in apple orchards. The objective of this study is to examine the geographical distribution of C. perniciosa outbreaks in apple orchards in Algeria. The survey was conducted between January 2020 and June 2025. The inventory includes scale insects collected in several regions of Algeria where apple trees are grown. The results show that C. perniciosa is widely distributed in Algeria, affecting seventeen provinces located from the coast to the highlands, from east to west. Of the fifty-two cities visited, forty-three have outbreaks, nineteen of which were recently discovered thanks to our investigation. The distribution of the species is not influenced by altitude or bioclimatic zones, indicating a strong capacity for ecological adaptation. These data highlight the importance of enhanced surveillance and appropriate phytosanitary strategies to control this pest.