Geraud-Pouey, F., Chirinos, D.T., & Romay, G. 2001 Efecto fisico de las exfoliaciones de la corteza del guayabo (Psidium guajava) sobre Capulinia sp. cercana a jaboticabae. [Physical effect of exfoliation of guava tree bark on Capulinia sp. near to jaboticabae von Ihering (Hem.: Eriococcidae)].. Entomotropica 16(1): 21-27.
Notes: Since it appeared in Venezuela in early 1993, the guava cottony scale, Capulinia sp. has become the greatest entomological problem on guava trees, Psidium guajava. However, in the field, trees with smooth bark (with little or without exfoliations) tend to be much less infested by this insect. During May-July 1999, the physical effects of bark exfoliation on the establishment, survival and development of Capulinia sp. was assessed, in the laboratory. Three host plant conditions were included: with natural exfoliations; with bark mechanically smoothed (smooth bark); and exfoliations substituted by pieces of absorbent paper adhered to the smoothed bark (artificial exfoliations). Bark smoothness could constitute a source of resistance of guava plants to diminish the incidence and damages by Capulinia sp.