The yellow pecan aphid, Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell, in Sicily

Abstract

Outbreaks of tbe yellow pecan aphid, Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell, have been
detected for the first time in Sicily during 1999. This aphid pest is native from
North America, where it is widespread from USA to Mexico, and was introduced
also in South Africa and Egypt. Adult viviparous are all alates and large populations
develop on lower surface of pecan leaves, witb two seasonal peaks, in late
spring and early autumn, respectively. The aphid is holocyclic, overwintering as
egg, laid on its host plant twigs. It is responsable of yield-losses by reducing plant
energy, inoculating saliva and growing of sooty mold, all of which negatively
affect tbe host plant physiology.