New findings on biology and life cycle of Pauropsylla buxtoni for developing an integrated control program of the insect on fig trees

Pauropsylla buxtoni (Laing) (Hemiptera Psylloidea Triozidae) is a psyllid species of edible fig trees, it sucks the sap and induces galls on infested fig leaves. The main objectives of this research were: to study the biology of P. buxtoni and its life cycle on fig trees in terms of gall induction and initiation, growth and development of galls and nymphs during the infestation especially in the early stages of immatures' development. Results indicate that eggs of P. buxtoni are laid on the lower leaf surface. Each egg has a short pedicel inserted into the leaf tissue by the female ovipositor. New hatching nymphs of P. buxtoni suck the leaf sap and secrete large amounts of saliva so that they induce galls on the infested leaves in which they enter to develop inside. The P. buxtoni overwintering full-grown nymphs exit from the hosting galls in spring and moulting as adult. The insect undergoes one generation per year. A full description of the different life stages of the insect are provided. Illustrations needed for this description are included. These results constitute the base for developing an integrated control program that should be helpful to the fig producers to better manage this pest.