Biological studies on Parlatoria crypta a pest of Moringa peregrina plant in Sistan and Baluchestan Province

Moringa peregrina Fiori was first cited in Iranian flora in 1993 by late Dr. Javanshir. Its presence has also been reported in Persian Gulf states, Saudi Arabia and occupied Palestine. Moringa is a tree species which grows over rough train of Makran and Bashagerd mount ranges respectively in Baloochestan and Hormozgan Provinces. Major maturely distributed areas of the species include Bashagerd mount in Nikshahr through south Jazmorian. The species does have strange tolerance against lack of water. In a way, it can afford survive for years in the absence of a drop of rain. Plants root system as well as the specific bed rocks of the growing areas are the most important factors affecting the Moringa's survival. Based on the two years sampling and research results, there was not any specific insect, fungi or bacteria associated with Moringa tree. Sampling procedures conducted on the different parts of the plant collected in Sistan and Baloochestan and Hormozgan Provinces revealed only a single species of scale insect from Chanoof area. The species was identified as Parlatoria crypta of Diaspididae family. This is a polyphagaus insect with a wide range of hosts in southern Iran.