Current Status of Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti): Context, Impact and Challenges for Integrated Management in Ecuador

Abstract

Simple Summary The white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, is an invasive insect that attacks more than 200 plant species, including fruit trees and ornamental plants, causing significant economic losses worldwide. Its ability to survive under a wide range of temperatures and during cold storage increases the risk of spreading through international trade. This review summarizes nearly 70 years of research on the pest, covering its distribution, host plants, biology, economic importance, and available management strategies. Although P. pentagona has not been officially reported in Ecuador, climate conditions in several Andean fruit-growing areas could favor its establishment if introduced. The findings highlight the need for preventive phytosanitary surveillance, early detection programs, and integrated pest management strategies that combine field monitoring, biological control, and regular inspections of nurseries and imported plant material. These actions will help protect Ecuadorian fruit production, reduce the risk of pest establishment, and support sustainable agricultural systems.