Abstract
AbstractMealybugs are major pests in grape‐growing areas worldwide, causing direct and indirect crop damage. The vine mealybugPlanococcus ficus(Signoret) is a key pest in most of grape‐producing countries, whereas the citrus mealybugPlanococcus citri(Risso) is reported as being destructive inBrazilian andSpanish vineyards.We examined the adaptation of the citrus mealybug to grapevine by investigating its development, reproduction and life‐history parameters underMediterranean field conditions in comparison with those ofP. ficus.Both mealybug species developed and reproduced successfully on grapevine. However,P. ficusshowed a shorter development time, larger female body size, and higher fecundity, fertility and survival thanP. citri.The life‐history parameters further highlighted the different growth potential of vine and citrus mealybug populations becauseP. ficusexhibited a net reproductive rate and an intrinsic rate of increase two‐ to four‐fold higher than that ofP. citri. Furthermore, the vine mealybug population doubled its number in approximately half time with respect to the citrus mealybug.Overall, the results of the present study show a better development and reproductive performance and a higher population growth potential ofP. ficuscompared withP. citri, indicating a higher capacity of the vine mealybug to develop on grapevine inMediterranean vineyards.
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