Host preference analysis of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on three different host plants.

The cotton mealy bug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is sap sucking polyphagous pest over 154 plant species of vegetables, fruit and ornamentals including cotton in India and worldwide. Among vegetable plant species, brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) etc., are severely damaged. Present studies were carried out to investigate the impact of these three host plant species on the life history of the mealybug in the laboratory. Age, stage specific and female fertility table data were used for this analysis. Okra has been found most suitable host among the tested plant species. Shortest development period (52 days), longest fertility period (21 days) and natality (163 eggs/female) were recorded on okra. In addition, highest values of intrinsic rate of increase (rm) (0.09569±0.002 day−1), the finite rate of increase (λ) (1.10±0.002 day−1), and net reproductive rates (R0) (38.60±2.35 offspring per individual) were also recorded on okra. On the other hand, the longest mean generation time (T) (48.95±2.88 days) and doubling time (DT) (11.55±1.25 days) were observed when P. solenopsis was reared on tomato. The tomato was the least preferred host for P. solenopsis. This variation in host preference can be utilized in predicting the dynamics of the P. solenopsis, and in determining the timing of pesticide application as well as release timing for natural enemies to achieve better control of this pest. Further, okra can be used as trap crop to facilitate effective management of this pest.