Abstract :
Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is one of the most important insect pests that infested many important economic crops all over the world. The insect was recorded for the first time on the okra plants at the inception of March during the season of 2019 on the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena. Results of both seasons showed that the highest weekly population count of P. solenopsis was found during the first week of June. The highest percentages of the total monthly mean count were found to be 37.87and 39.56%, in June during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. In addition, it has three generations per season under field conditions. The impact of some biotic and abiotic factors influencing the enumeration of P. solenopsis was studied. One species of wasp, Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) has been recorded as a parasitoid on P. solenopsis. The parasitism rate reached 12.31% during the first season. The predation rate reached 4.55% and it was attributed to the Nephus includens (Kirsch). Under laboratory conditions, the biology studies of P. solenopsis (Tinsley) were carried out on the sprouted potato plants. The results of the various biological factors recorded that the female fertility rate ranged between (310 to 650 eggs/female), which increases the survival rate. The female longevity reached (27.23±2.35 days) and the total life cycle ranged from 39-55 days. Accordingly, the information obtained from this study leads to the selection of appropriate means of management during the active reproductive period of P. solenopsis.
Keyword :
Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, Ablmoschus esculentus