Seasonal fluctuation of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera : Pseudococcidae)‎ and its natural enemies on mulberry trees in Egypt

Abstract EN

The seasonal fluctuation of the cotton mealybug, phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (hemipteran : pseudococcidae) was studied for two years (January 2014 until mid of December, 2015) on mulberry trees at Giza governorate.

the obtained results showed that, p.

solenopsis has two peaks and presence of three overlapping generations in both years under field conditions.

the 1st generation started from mid april to early august /mid of July with duration of 3-3.5 months at field condition during two years respectively.

the 2nd generation occurred from early of august to mid of October /mid of July to mid of October with duration of 2.5-3 months in both years respectively.

the 3rd generation occurred between mid of October to mid of December and they lasted 2 months in both years respectively.

the favorable time for its abundance on mulberry branches occurred in early and late summer season due to the high temperature, whereas decrease until disappear during in winter season referred to the cold weather.

on the other hand, the relationship between the meaybug fluctuation and abiotic factors (minimum, maximum temperatures and relative humidity) were studied where the simple correlation of the maximum and minimum temperatures was positive and high significant but r.h.

% gave negative and insignificant effect.

the natural enemies.