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Studies on Theraptus sp. (Coreidae); the Cause of the Gumming Disease of Coconuts in East Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

M. J. Way
M. J. Way
Affiliation:
Clove Research Scheme, Zanzibar*.
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Extract

Theraptus sp. is widespread in the coastal region of British East Africa where it severely damages developing coconut fruits.

The female may lay over 100 eggs. There are five nymphal instars and, in the field, it is probable that about nine generations are produced each year.

Damage to coconuts is similar to that caused by Amblypelta cocophaga China in the Solomon Islands. Female coconut flowers and young nuts may be destroyed by a single feeding puncture. Damaged 10–16-week-old nuts may reach maturity but are undersized and often distorted by lesions from which gummy material exudes.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 44 , Issue 4 , December 1953 , pp. 657 - 667
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1953

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References

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