NEW HOST PLANTS RECORD FOR THE BROWN SOFT SCALE COCCUS HESPERIDUM LINNAEUS, 1758 (HEMIPTERA: COCCIDAE) IN BAGHDAD PROVINCE, IRAQ

Abstract

    An investigation was provided in this work for the host range of brown soft scale Coccus hesperidum Linnaeus in Baghdad Province.  Five plant species were found infected by this insect, three of these species, Citrusaurantium L. (Rutaceae); Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae); Ficuscarica L. (Moraceae) reported earlier, and the remaining two, Dahlia pinnata Cav. (Asteraceae) and Myrtuscommunis L. (Myrtaceae) are recordedhere for the first time as host plants for this pest.