Evaluation of damage to satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) by the leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae)

Satsuma mandarin, Citrus unshiu Marcovitch, has been grown for over a century in the Gulf Coast region of the United States (English and Turnipseed 1940). However, the last decade has recorded a major increase in the production of this crop in southern Alabama, fuelled by improved production and tree protection methods and strong industry and state support (Campbell et al. 2004). Studies have identified several pest species capable of limiting the expansion of satsuma mandarin production in the region (Henne et al. 2003; Fadamiro et al. 2007, 2008). In particular, two species of leaffooted bugs (Hemiptera: Coreidae), Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) and L. phyllopus (L.), were identified as key direct pests of satsuma with the potential for major economic losses (Henne et al. 2003; Fadamiro et al. 2008). In southern Alabama, the predominant Leptoglossus spp. on satsuma is L. zonatus (Dallas),