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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #199289
Title: DEVELOPMENT, REPRODUCTION, AND SURVIVAL OF PAPAYA MEALYBUG (HOMOPTERA: PSEUDOCOCCIDAE) ON DIFFERENT HOST PLANT SPECIES

Author
item AMARASEKARE, KAUSHALYA - UNIV FL, TREC
item MANNION, CATHARINE - UNIV FL, TREC
item Epsky, Nancy

Submitted to: National Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2006
Publication Date: 12/11/2006
Citation: Amarasekare, K.G., Mannion, C.M., Epsky, N.D. 2006. Development, reproduction, and survival of papaya mealybug (homoptera: pseudococcidae) on different host plant species. National Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary: n

Technical Abstract: Papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus @illiams and Granara de Willink (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)) is a polyghagus insect and a pest of various tropical crops and ornamentals. It was introduced into the United States in 1998 in Florida. Papaya mealybug potentially poses a threat to numerous agricultural products in U.S. especially in Florida and states producing similar crops. This study focuses on development, reproduction and survival of papaya mealybug on four commonly found host plants in Florida. The host species include three ornamental plants: hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasinensis L.), frangiani (Plumeria sp.), and coperleaf (Acelypha sp.) and a weed species, Santa Maria feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus L.). Leaves of each host plant were used to rear eggs of papaya mealybug at 25 degrees C and 12:12 (light:dark) photo period. Developmental time of egg hatch, each instar, and adults were evaluated. Males and females reared from each host plant were paired, and eggs produced by mated females were counted till the death of the female. Papaya mealybug was able to develop, reproduce and survive on all four plant species to the second generation. Adult females emerged within 26-28 days, and adult males completed their life cycle within 28-30 days on all host plants and total number of eggs produced by mated females were within 186-244. Females reared on hibiscus leaves produced a significantly higher number of eggs. Survival of immature stages and adults were significantly lower for Plumeria compared to the other three plants.