First Report and Geographical Distribution of the Main Outbreaks of Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock, 1881) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in the Region of Khenchela (Algeria)

Apple trees are some of the most important and valuable fruit crops in the world. Production of this crop is threatened by a number of pests. Comstockaspis perniciosa (San Jose scale) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) is one of the most dangerous pests for apple trees. In this study, surveys were carried out in apple orchards in 21 municipalities in the state of Khenchela, Algeria between January 2020 and April 2024, and the collection of information from the database of the Khenchela Direction of Agricultural Services (DAS), in order to compare with surveys. We report the first presence of San Jose scale on apple tree in the state of Khenchela (Algeria). The results also show that out of 21 municipalities, 14 had an outbreak of C. perniciosa. The survey revealed three new outbreaks in three municipalities (Baghai, El Hamma (Bazgatou) and El Mahmal) compared to the results of the Khenchela Agricultural Services Direction. It is important to note that the distribution of the outbreaks were not influenced by altitude. No work has been done on the presence and actual distribution of C. perniciosa in the state of Khenchela.