Occurrence of ash whitefly, Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), in Brazil

Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a polyphagous species with a wide geographical distribution and high invasive potential. In South America, it has been documented in Venezuela, Chile, Peru and Argentina. Leaves of pomegranate [Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae)] containing whitefly eggs, nymphs, puparia, and adults were collected in the municipalities of Campinas, Piracicaba (São Paulo), Planaltina (Goiás), São João dos Patos (Maranhão), Floriano (Piauí), and Janaúba (Minas Gerais). Based on morphological characters, the species was identified as S. phillyreae in the collections. Additionally, parasitism by Encarsia brasiliensis (Hempel) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was observed in Piracicaba. The adults collected in Piracicaba underwent molecular characterization, validating the morphological identification. In Brazil, the pomegranate tree is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its beautiful leaves, flowers, fruits, and medicinal properties. Thus, due to the increase in pomegranate cultivation, an appropriate management plan for this pest is necessary. Therefore, this is the first record of the S. phillyreae in Brazil, expanding its distribution in South America.