Abstract
Trioza eugeniae Froggatt nymphs preferentially settle on the abaxial surface of leaves of the host plant, Syzygium paniculatum (Gaertner). Increased population density on a leaf results in increased nymphal settling on the adaxial surface. The importance of a wide array of exogenous biotic factors on the preferential settling behavior of T. eugeniae nymphs was considered. A number of homopteran species have been observed probing through plant stomata and this relationship between stomatal location as a feeding site and presence of the nymphs was examined. Although the majority of stomata were found only on the abaxial side of S. paniculatum leaves, nymphs did not probe through them. In addition, nymphs settling on the abaxial side of a leaf were not shown to develop faster than their counterparts settling on the adaxial leaf side, suggesting that differences in developmental rates are not strong selective pressures associated with nymphal preference for the leaf underside. Inconclusive evidence also suggested that the parasitoid, Tamarixia sp. does dot show strong preference for parasitizing nymphs on either leaf side.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
