MANAGEMENT OF SCALE INSECTS IN ACEROLA ORCHARDS IN THE BRAZILIAN ACEROLA BELT

The Brazilian acerola belt, composed of production hubs in the Northeast, forms the main global acerola production region. In Northeast Brazil, acerola trees have adapted better to edaphoclimatic conditions; farms operate production systems with higher technological levels and maturity, and there is infrastructure for agro-industrial processing. One of the factors that compromise acerola production is infestation by scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha). Nymphs and adult females cause injury and damage through stylet insertion, continuous sap sucking, and injection of toxic saliva during feeding. The management of scale insects represents a critical factor, as these pests can cause financial losses by reducing productivity and increasing production costs. In this context, this chapter aims to synthesize current scientific information on scale insects associated with acerola, with particular emphasis on their management in acerola cultivation within the Brazilian acerola belt.