Effectiveness of the infestation by Icerya aegyptiaca on the physiological characteristics of Agave americana cactus

Current study aimed to determination effectiveness of the insect infestation by Egyptian mealybug, Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Monophlebidae) on the physiological characteristics of cactus plants Agave americana (Fam. Agavaceae). The study was applied at two different locations (gardens), El-Zohrya garden (Cairo Governorate) and International garden (Alexandria Governorate) during season 2024. Results indicated to that the higher infestation by Egyptian mealybug I. aegyptiaca individuals during autumn season (October and November months) whereas higher population of the successive insect were recorded on the cactus plants A. americana led to reduce concentrations of the internal components secreted by cactus plants leaves by ranged 20.6-33.7% compared to control (cactus plants did not infest by I. aegyptiaca). The important internal components (substances) secreted by A. americana leaves were determined; cardiac glycosides (clorogenin, tigogenin, hecogenin, saponins, smilagenin and sisalagenin), total proteins, total vitamins, total carbohydrates, total minerals, total fats and total phenols. Statically, analysis was carried out indicated to that were highly significant differences between concentrations of these important internal substances secreted by A. americana leaves compared to control. So, we can recommend by using white gel extracted from cactus plants A. americana for medicinal purposes, and it is necessary to control mealybug, I. aegyptiaca which affecting serious effect on these cactus plants.