Le Roux, K, Richard, A., Rivière, C., Peribe, J., Come, B., Grisoni, M, Quilici, S., & Matile-Ferrero, D. 2005 Conchaspis angraeci Cockerell (Hemiptera, Coccoidea, Conchaspididae), a new pest on vanilla plantations in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). (Abstract only).. Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies, held at Plant Protection Research Institute, Adana/ Turkey, 19-23 April 2004. Adana Zirai Muscadele Arastirma Enstitusu. Adana, Turkey 408 pp.

Notes: 2005. Adana, Turkey. 408 pp. K. LE ROUX J. PERI BE M. GRISONI A.RICHARD B.COME S. QUILICI C. RIVIERE P. RYCKEWAERT Q. MATILE-FERREROI Conchaspis angraeci Cockerell 1893 was first recorded on vanilla in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) in 1997. Over the past three years, it has caused serious damage on vanilla plantations, which are economically important to the island. Consequently, a bio-ecological study of this pest was initiated in 2002 in order to define its geographical distribution, its biological life cycle in four distinct cultural conditions, and to assess the incidence of indigenous enemies and the host range. Although the literature mentions a wide host range (26 families and 70 species), C. angraeci has mainly been observed in Reunion Island on vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). Scales have been observed also on Angraecum eburneum, Bulbophyllum prismaticum (Orchidaceae) and Hoya bella (Asclepiadaceae) (the last two being new host records) but in few instances. The highest pest population levels were found on vanilla cultivated intensively or in sugarcane interplanting situations, compared to vines grown under trees or in shade houses. During the warm season (November to February), larval stages were twice as abundant than during other periods. Cultural methods and characteristics of the site (altitude, relative humidity, rainfall, micro-climatic conditions, leaf canopy) probably play an important role in the multiplication of the scale. The impact of predation and parasitism appears to be very low (less than 6%). Therefore, it seems unlikely that an efficient biological control can be achieved based only on indigenous enemies. Rearing trials have been carried out on different plants. On young vanilla vines (Vanilla planifolia), a full cycle (i.e. egg to adult) was achieved in 90 days. On pumpkins, the development lasted more than five months at 25°C. To reduce development time, other trials were conducted at different temperatures but did not enable a complete lifecycle for C. angraeci on pumpkin. Currently new trials are undertaken on vanilla vines cultivated in shade houses. In Reunion Island, C. angraeci is obviously spreading among vanilla plantations, causing damages on vines, which is a concern for the growers. Moreover, this pest is likely to appear in several other vanilla producing regions worldwide.