Occurrence of the psyllid Trioza tabebuiae Burckhardt & Santana 2001 (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Argentina, a potential pest of the Pink Trumpet tree Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Vell.) Mattos 1970 (Lamiales: Bignoniaceae)

Abstract

In Argentina, Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Vell.) Mattos, 1970 (Pink Trumpet tree) is a relevant tree for its wood, ornamental and other important uses. Trioza tabebuiae Burckhardt & Santana, 2001 (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is an important pest of some ornamental plants species of the family Bignonaceae. This psyllid causes serious damages in leaves of Handroanthus Mattos, 1970 trees, curving its margins, which reduce the photosynthetic area when occur in high infestations. Here, we report for the first time the presence and damage produced by the psyllid T. tabebuiae on bignonaceous tree H. heptaphyllus in Argentina. This new record is important to generate preventive and management measures for this potential pest in Argentina, due to the economic importance of H. heptaphyllus trees and its wide distribution in the country, and the role of T. tabebuiae as a pest.