title: Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A New Threat for Crapemyrtles, a Popular Landscape Plant in the U.S.
abstract: Crapemyrtle bark scale,Acanthococcus(=Eriococcus)lagerstroemiae(Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is a newly introduced insect pest on crapemyrtles,Lagerstroemiaspp. (Myrtales: Lythraceae), one of the most popular flowering shrubs in the U.S. Since first detected in Texas in 2004, this pest has spread to twelve states causing losses to stakeholders. To develop a management plan, we reviewed current knowledge about the pest's biology and ecology, and suggested research approaches including studying its thermal tolerance, host range, plant resistance and biological control. Parasitoids and predators have been reared fromA. lagerstroemiaein the U.S. and China. However, new surveys of natural enemies should be conducted in China, and studies on the host range and impacts of natural enemies onA. lagerstroemiaemay help determine the potential for classical biological control. The life history, preying efficiency and rearing methods are important for coccinellid predators found in the U.S. includingChilocorus cactiL. andHyperaspisspp. To enhance natural enemy performance, it is important to evaluate a sustainable insecticide program that considers efficacy, timing, rate and impact on pollinator health. Finally, an integrated management program ofA. lagerstroemiaeis discussed including planting resistant cultivars, using host specific natural enemies, and prudent use of insecticides.
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. wangzinan2014@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Zinan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Hammond Research Station, Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Hammond, LA 70403, USA. YaChen@agcenter.lsu.edu.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticultural Science, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, College Station, TX 77843, USA. mgu@tamu.edu.
authors.forename: Mengmeng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center, Overton, TX 75684, USA. Erfan.Vafaie@ag.tamu.edu.
authors.forename: Erfan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vafaie
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center, Dallas, TX 75252, USA. m-merchant@tamu.edu.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merchant
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. RDiaz@agcenter.lsu.edu.
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Diaz
keywords: Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana); Chilocorus cacti L.; Hyperaspis spp.; biological control; exotic species; host resistance; integrated pest management; parasitoids