Heteropsylla cubana Crawford (Psyllidae) and Coccus longulus (Douglas) (Coccidae) infestations on some Leucaena species and hybrids in coastal central Queensland

Abstract

Leucaena psyllid, Heteropsylla cubana,and long soft scale, Coccus longulus, populations were examined in 1993 and 1996 on nine Leucaena accessions grown at Raglan in coastal central Queensland. Accessions included five of Leucaena leucocephala, two of Leucaena diversifolia (a diploid and a tetraploid), and two hybrids (L. leucocephala × Leucaena pallida and L. leucocephala ×L. diversifolia). The five L. leucocephala accessions had higher nymphal psyllid infestations than the two L. diversifolia accessions or the two hybrids. Scale numbers were highest on L. leucocephala (cultivar Tarramba), the tetraploid L. diversifolia and the two hybrids. Lowest scale counts were recorded on the diploid L. diversifolia and three lines of L. leucocephala (CPI 61222, Q25221 and cultivar Cunningham). Plant breeders should consider both insects when selecting parent lines.