Development and reproduction of the cotton mealybug, phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera : Pseudococcidae)‎ in laboratory

Abstract EN

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an invasive pest species that has appeared in different parts of the world.

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of four seasons temperature and relative humidity on the development and reproduction of the cotton mealy bug.

The results revealed that, incubation period significantly decreased from 7.43 ±0.51 hours in winter at 15.430C with 52%RH to 1.90±0.18 hours in summer at 29.60C with 51.24% RH.

The developmental period of nymphal stage tented to be shortened with the corresponding temperature.

Life period of first, second and third nymphal instars of female was decreased from 17.59, 16.02 and 17.01 days in winter at 15.430C with 52% RH to 4.26, 4.50 and 5.004 days in summer at 29.60C with 51.24% RH, while, the two nymphal instars (1st and 2 nd instars) of male decreased from 17.89, 17.11 days to 4.50, 6.033 days, respectively, in winter and summer at the same temperature and humidity.

Pupae duration decreased from 19.00 days in winter at 15.430C with 52% RH to 6.00 days in summer at 29.60C with 51.24% RH.

The total female life cycle decreased from 102.52 days in winter at 15.430C with 52% RH to 38.43 days in summer at 29.60C with 51.24% RH.

The total male life cycle decreased from 56.20 to days in winter at 15.430C with 52% RH to 17.50 days in summer at 29.60C with 51.24% RH.

There was significant effect of temperature on fecundity of adult female, the mean of female fecundity was 495±0.46 eggs under perfect conditions in summer at 29.60C with 51.24% RH.

Total life cycle (both male and female) was prolonged at lower temperature and shortened at higher temperature.

Optimum temperature for development of the pest was in summer at 29.60C with 51.24% RH.

It is concluded that the study P.

solenopsis biology, give the understanding of mode and degree of its population growth.

Hence, this information will be helpful during the development of successful integrated pest management program (IPM) for P.

solenopsis.