Maconellicoccus Hirsutus Research Articles

Lethal and Sub-Lethal Effects of Insecticides on the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

The pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a pest of many plants, and a new problem on dates in California. The effects of seven insecticides and water on different life stages of this mealybug were studied to identify the best material for control. Water did not have any significant effect on mealybugs, but the insecticide treatments significantly affected all life stages tested. The egg hatch rate ranged from 28.5% to 17.2% for spirotetramat, bifenthrin, flupyradifurone, fenpropathrin, and buprofezin treatments, and was lower for sulfoxaflor (2.8%) and acetamiprid (0.1%). Despite high survival of neonate crawlers in the non-treated control and water treatments, 53.1% and 34.6% survived in the spirotetramat and buprofezin treatments, respectively; survival was zero in the other treatments. Spirotetramat and buprofezin caused very low mortality of nymphs in the first day post-treatment, but mortality significantly increased over time and reached 42.8% and 50.6% by day 6, respectively. The other treatments were highly toxic to the nymphs (79.4–99.4% on day 6). Insecticides also had a significant effect on the feeding ability of nymphs. By day 6 after treatment, 73.9% to 100% of nymphs treated with different insecticides stopped feeding although they were still alive. Insecticides showed no effect on the mortality of adult females, but the percentages of ovipositing females were significantly reduced (51.1% to 10.6%) in all insecticide treatments, except buprofezin, which was not statistically different from water and the non-treated control. In the process of our studies, we identified abnormalities in the appearance of eggs from females treated with various insecticides, and these aberrant eggs are described.

Evaluation of spinetoram 10% w/w + sulfoxaflor 30% w/w wg against Maconellicoccus hirsutus on grapevine

Pink mealybug Maconellicoccus hirturus Green is a major devastating insect pest of grapevine. The combination product spinetoram 10% w/w + sulfoxaflor 30% w/w WG was evaluated against this pest for two seasons i.e., kharif 2015 and summer 2016 at Odaipatty village of Chinnamanur block, Theni District, Tamil Nadu. Three rounds of foliar spray of spinetoram 10% w/w + sulfoxaflor 30% w/w WG @350 ml/ha and spinetoram 10% + sulfoxaflor 30% WG @300 ml/ha were found superior providing higher fruit yields and cost-benefit ratio.

Untangling the Anagyrus pseudococci species complex (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), parasitoids of worldwide importance for biological control of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): Genetic data corroborates separation of two new, previously misidentified species

Endoparasitoid wasps in the genus Anagyrus Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are commonly used in the biological control of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) worldwide. During a recent biological control program initiated for management of the pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), by its primary parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi, genomic sequences of the parasitoid were found to be dissimilar with sequences previously published for A. kamali. This discrepancy in the identification of the specimens, which originated in the Imperial Valley, California, USA and Valle de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico, launched an investigation into the identity of the unknown California/Nayarit population alongside species of the Anagyrus pseudococci complex, in which Anagyrus pseudococci (Girault), Anagyrus sp. near pseudococci, A. kamali, Anagyrus dactylopii (Howard), and Anagyrus kivuensis Compere are informally classified. Morphological evaluation and morphometric analyses provided evidence for the identification of the California/Nayarit population as a new species based on the coloration of the male antennal scape and the ratio of the minimum width of the female frontovertex to the head width. Analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA regions further supported the definition of this population as a distinct species. Along with this new taxon, herein named Anagyrus callidus Triapitsyn, Andreason & Perring sp. n., A. sp. near pseudococci is described and named Anagyrus vladimiri Triapitsyn sp. n. Phylogenetic analysis supported the monophyly of the A. pseudococci complex, originally described based on morphological similarity to A. pseudococci and the coloration of the first funicle segment of female antenna, relative to non-complex Anagyrus species. The effectiveness of A. callidus as a biological control agent against the PHM was demonstrated by the parasitoid’s successful establishment and significant reductions of the pest in the Coachella Valley.

Predation potential of Rhynocoris marginatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against three mealybug species of agricultural importance

The predation potential of a generalist predator Rhynocoris marginatus (Fab.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against three important mealybug pests of cotton, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, and Coccidohystrix insolita Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The specific objective of the study was to determine the prey capturing time, prey handling time, and prey preference among the three mealybug species for different developmental stages of R. marginatus. The number of prey consumed/predator/24 h by R. marginatus was dependent on the mealybug species and the predator developmental stage. Rhynocoris marginatus showed a decrease in prey capturing time and handling time as the predator grew older. After evaluating the prey stage preference, results indicated that the developmental stages of R. marginatus preferred adult mealybugs over the younger stages. In a choice-test bioassay including the three mealybug species, no significant difference in prey species selection was observed for the various R. marginatus developmental stages. However, the mortality of P. solenopsis was observed to be highest among the mealybugs, followed by M. hirsutus and C. insolita. This supports the idea that R. marginatus can be effectively utilized for the management of one of the most destructive mealybug pests of cotton, P. solenopsis. Results from this study are important for the development of a knowledge-based management program for cotton agroecosystems affected by various mealybug pests.

Population Dynamics of Sucking Pests on Bhendi, Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench)

Field investigations were made during 2017-2018 (Aug-April) in bhendi Co4 hybrid raised under organic conditions in farmer’s field of Thondamuthur block, Coimbatore. The population dynamics of sucking pests in bhendi viz., leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida), aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), thrips (Thrips tabaci Linnman) and mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus) were assessed in different growth periods of the crop and correlated with weather parameters. The studies revealed that incidence of sucking pests started during August and reached its peak during October under organic conditions. Correlation studies between the sucking pest complex and weather factors revealed that there was significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and relative humidity. whereas, minimum temperature and wind velocity showed negative correlation to all above mentioned sucking pests. The rainfall favoured the activity of all the sucking pests with positive correlation except mealybug. Regression analysis revealed that for every unit increase in maximum temperature, the leafhoppers population got increased by 0.08 numbers. Similarly, for every unit increase in relative humidity the whiteflies population got increased by 0.02 numbers..

Population fluctuations in the pink hibiscus mealybug and its natural enemies in Annona squamosa (Annonaceae) in Roraima, Brazil

ABSTRACT Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae), a species of economic interest, especially for fruit plants, is expanding on the South American continent. Information about the population dynamics of this pest associated with control by natural enemies and cultural practices is fundamental for its management. Our objective was to study the population fluctuations in M. hirsutus and its natural enemies in a sugar-apple (Annona squamosa) orchard in Roraima, northern Brazil. Trees were evaluated monthly over a 12-month period. Infestation rates by M. hirsutus and its parasitism were also estimated for potential host plants around the study area. Highest infestation occurred in August and February-March. Alternative hosts were infested during the off-season, mainly fruit. Lacewings and the parasitoid Anagyrus kamali (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae) were abundant natural enemies. Average parasitism by A. kamali in fruits was 50%, with highest rates in periods of greatest infestation by M. hirsutus. Fruitification pruning reduced M. hirsutus populations.

Illustrated accounts of coccinellid predators of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae) on mulberry in India, with description of a new species of Scymnus Kugelann (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from West Bengal.

The pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), is a major pest of mulberry (Morus alba L.), the sole host of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.), which is a source of livelihood to millions of sericulture farmers in India. Several predators, mainly Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), have been reported to feed on M. hirsutus on mulberry. Coccinellid predators of M. hirsutus collected on mulberry from different parts of India are illustrated here with brief diagnostic notes to facilitate their identification. An account of mycophagous species of coccinellids commonly found on mulberry and misreported as predators of mulberry pests is also given with illustrations. Scymnus (Pullus) latifolius sp. nov., a promising predator of M. hirsutus, hitherto misidentified and reported as Scymnus pallidicollis Mulsant, is described and illustrated from West Bengal, India, with detailed biological notes. Keiscymnus taiwanensis Yang Wu, 1972 is reduced to a new junior synonym of Scymnus pallidicollis Mulsant, 1853 (syn. nov.). Illeis bielawskii Ghorpade, 1976 is found to be a valid species and removed from synonymy with I. bistigmosa Mulsant, 1850 (stat. rev.).

Developmental responses of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri to heavy metals transferred across multi-trophic food chain

The current studies were carried out to observe the variations in development, biology and life table parameters of ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, feeding on pink hibiscus mealybug (Dysmicoccus neobrevipes) contaminated with heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and nickel) bio-transferred across a multi-trophic chain. The developmental time required for immature life stages (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th instar nymphs, pupae) and total developmental period (egg-adult) differed significantly among different heavy metal treatments and control. The accumulated survival rate of C. montrouzieri immature life stages also differed significantly among different heavy metal treatments and control. Different parameters of adult female biology (Pre-oviposition period, fecundity, female longevity) were adversely affected by different heavy metals. Life table analysis revealed that all the heavy metals caused significant reduction in net reproduction rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) while the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (Dt) were significantly higher than control. The results obtained provide possible insight into the implications of heavy metals on the population dynamics of insect predator (C. montrouzieri) in a multi-trophic food chain. However, further research is required on genetic as well as physiological processes involved in the regulation of growth and development of C. montrouzieri.

Biology of pink mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus on different hosts and predatory efficiency of Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri and Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi

Biology studies on the pink mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) showed the mean preoviposition period of 4.9 days and 5.2 days on mulberry and red pumpkin, respectively. On mulberry the mean fecundity was 513 eggs whereas it was 489 eggs on red pumpkin. The mean hatching was 93.3 and 90.7% on mulberry and red pumpkin, respectively. The life cycle was completed in 41.7 and 38.5 days by female and male, respectively on mulberry and it was 47.1 and 46.2 days, respectively on red pumpkin. The observations on the predatory efficiency showed that both grubs and adults of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri together required a total of 1615.9, 210.8 and 32.8 eggs, nymphs and adults, respectively of M. hirsutus to complete their lifecycle; among its larval stages, the maximum predatory efficiency was observed with the IV instar grub. Similar trend was recorded in the predatory potential of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi also and its III instar grub consumed 413.8, 155.8 and 16.6 mealybugs of I, II and III instars of M. hirsutus, respectively.

Effect of Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T. Aiton. on pink mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

The effect of aqueous extracts of different parts of Calotropis gigantea on female adult Maconellicoccus hirsutus was studied. The percent mortality ranged between 28.30 to 86.67, 33.30 to 91.67 and 40.00 to 93.33 at 24, 48 and 72 HAE, respectively. Among the parts tested, maximum mortality was observed in leaf with 86.67, 91.67 and 93.33% which was statistically on par with fruit pericarp showing mortality of 81.67, 88.33 and 90.00% at 24, 48 and 72 HAE, respectively. Initially flower followed leaf and fruit pericarp but its efficacy increased with time and was on par with both of them at 48 and 72 HAE. LC50 values for fruit pericarp were 2.895% followed by leaf (3.055%) and flower (3.560%).

Biology of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) on mealy bugs and aphids

Studies on biology of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi on mealy bugs and aphids indicated that the incubation period of C. zastrowi sillemi was significantly minimum to the extent of 3.94 days on Aphis gossypii followed by 4.19 days ( Phenococcus solenopsis ) and 4.28 days ( Maconellicoccus hirsutus ). The significantly maximum egg hatching of C. zastrowi sillemi (89.00 per cent) was observed on A. gossypii followed by P. solenopsis (86.00 per cent) and M. hirsutus (79.00 per cent). The growth index and the larval duration of C. zastrowi sillemi were 7.21, 5.14; 4.83, 11.36; 12.87, 12.61 days on second instar nymphs of A. gossypii, P. solenopsis and M. hirsutus respectively. The significantly lowest pupal duration to the extent of 7.41 days was observed when grown on P. solenopsis followed by 7.42 days on A. gossypii and 7.95 days on M. hirsutus . Significantly the shortest life - cycle duration to the extent of 50.97 and 54.93 days by male and female adult of C. zastrowi sillemi was observed on M. hirsutus. The pre-oviposition period (4.50 days) was lowest on A. gossypii while oviposition period (23.40 days) of C. zastrowi sillemi was highest on A. gossypii.

The diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) interacting with the invasive hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green 1908) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on ornamental and cultivated plants in Bahia, Brazil

Biological invasions by exotic species are among the major threats to biodiversity worldwide. The pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM) Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green 1908) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an invasive mealybug species that has been reported in Brazil since 2010. This species is sometimes found in mutualistic association with ants, which help spread this pest and also prey on or remove its natural enemies. Here, we describe for the first time the interactions between ants and M. hirsutus in Brazil, focusing on cocoa trees, Theobroma cacao (L., Malvaceae), and on the ornamental species Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth (Mimosaceae), and hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvaceae), all in the state of Bahia, Brazil. We collected M. hirsutus and associated ants on 50 randomly selected plants of these three species at three sites. We found a high diversity of ants (46 species) in trophobiotic interaction with the exotic mealybug. The highest ant species richness was found on hibiscus, with 33 species recorded interacting with the mealybug. Thirty ant species were observed associated with M. hirsutus on cocoa trees. We found significant differences in the ant assemblages according to site and plant species. Mutualisms with exotic species can cause profound alterations in the communities where they are inserted. This description of ant—M. hirsutus associations in Brazil is an initial step towards a better understanding of the mechanisms by which these mutual interactions become structured in the Neotropics and of their impacts on environment and agriculture.

Biology of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, 1908 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an introduced pest that threatens fruit and ornamental plant production in Brazil. Reported in Brazil for the first time in 2010, in the state of Roraima, M. hirsutus, has spread rapidly to other regions of the country. The objective of this study was to investigate the biology of M. hirsutus on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvaceae) leaves in laboratory conditions with climatic parameters similar to those of the Brazilian North and Northeast (27 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 10% relative humidity and 12 hours light and 12 hours dark). Eighty M. hirsutus nymphs were individualized on rooted H. rosa-sinensis leaves and their survival, mortality, sex ratio, and egg numbers per female emerged were recorded. Maconellicoccus hirsutus can have up to nine generations per year, taking 6.5 days to double its population size. The female numbers of this pest are about three times higher than those for its male counterparts, with 98 eggs per female and 97% viability. The survival curve of the species is type I, that is, mortality rates are higher in adulthood. Maconellicoccus hirsutus, especially, a pest of fruit trees and ornamental plants, presents great potential for population growth in Brazilian tropical conditions.

Relationship Between Developmental Stages of Predator nephus includens (kisch) (coleoptera: coccinellidae) Reared on Certain Mealy Bug Species and the Required Thermal Units.

The present work was conducted to study the relationship between the developmental stages of the predator Nephus includens (Kisch) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the required thermal units at three constant temperatures, (20, 25 and 30oC) on certain mealy bug species (Planococcus citri Risso, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood) and Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green). The results indicated that, the duration of the predator was longer at 20oC. As temperature increased from 20-30oC the longevity decreased, the lower thermal threshold for the development of N. includens 10.9, 10.6 and 11.1oC for eggs , 6.4, 2.1 and 0.7oC for larvae, 8.4, 5.6 and 11.9oC for pupa while it were 0.1, 3.2 and 1.9oC for the total duration from (egg to adult). The heat units requirement for the development of eggs were 90.1, 92.4 and 91.5 DD's , for larvae were 387.7, 328.1 and 382.5 DD's, for the pupa 325.8, 308.1 and 390.1 DD's while it were 713.8, 674.2 and 765.3 DD's for the development period of P. citri, I. seychellarum and M. hirtsutus respectively. The lower thermal threshold for longevity (female and male) of N. includens were 12.8 & 18.4, 10.9 and 13.2& 22.8 & 48.7, meanwhile, the heat units requirement for longevity of (female and male) were 2779.8 & 2513.7, 2709.9 and 2380.7 & 2432.4 & 4206.2 on the same mealy bug species, respectively. The average of total consumption per larva was the highest at 25 + 1oC and when this predator fed on the mealy bug species P. citri during its larval stage. The results revealed that, the longevity of the predator adult stage decreased with increasing the temperature degrees. The highest consumption rate per female was at 30 + 1oC comparing with the other temperature degrees. The number of deposited eggs per female was the highest (185.74 + 1.92 eggs) when female reared on P. citri at 25 + 1oC. Obtained results provide essential information for predicting the field population of the predator N. includens, releasing time on certain mealy bug species for controlling these pests and it's recommended to be an item of Integrated Pest Management Programs in Egyptian field designed to control certain mealy bug species.

The pink hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Greece

Summary The invasive pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is reported for first time in Greece. Individuals of the mealybug were found infesting Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Linnaeus) (Malvaceae) in private and public gardens in the urban environment in Rhodes, Dodecanese islands, East Greece. This is the first report of genus Maconellicoccus in Greece.

First record of Crypticerya zeteki (Cockerell, 1914) (Monophlebidae) in Brazil and Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) (Pseudococcidae) in the state of Maranhão

Abstract Crypticerya zeteki (Cockerell, 1914) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae) is recorded for the first time from Brazil and Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is recorded for the first time from the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Both species were collected from branches, leaves and fruits of various fruit trees in the municipalities of São José de Ribamar, São Luís and Paço do Lumiar, Maranhão, Brazil. Crypticerya zeteki was collected on Citrus spp. (Rutaceae), Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae), Cycas revoluta L. (Cycadaceae), Malpighia punicifolia L. (Malpighiaceae), Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae) and Theobroma grandiflorum Schum (Malvaceae), all first records for this species. Maconellicoccus hirsutus was collected on Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae) and M. punicifolia L. (Malpighiaceae), both new records for this species.

HAMA TANAMAN BELIMBING DI WILAYAH KABUPATEN BLITAR JAWA TIMUR

Pests of star fruit in Blitar District, East Java. Pest attack causes the production of star fruit decreases. This study aim was to identify the pests of star fruit in Blitar District which could provide an information about pest species, damage symptoms and damage intensity. The research was conducted during August – September 2014 in Gogodeso, Karangsonoand Pojok Villages at Blitar District, East Java. Observations of the pests ware done by determining the four locations of plantation on each villages randomly. Three plants sample were choosen in each plantation location diagonally. Each plant was divided into four quadrant according to wind directions. One branch in the bottom was choosen in each quadrant. Nine species were recorded as pests of starfruit in Blitar district. Pest was identified on the leaf was Pteroma plagiophleps, on the branch was Zeuzera coffeae, on the flower were Toxoptera aurantii and Maconellicoccus hirsutus, whereas those on the fruit were Toxoptera aurantii, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Thrips javanicus, Helopeltis bradyi, Cryptophlebia leucotreta, Bactrocera dorsalis, and Bactrocera carambolae. The population density of M. hirsutus was higher in Karangsono than in other villages. The highest damage intensity was caused by Bactrocera spp., C. leucotreta and H. bradyi (occured in Gogodeso), whereas the highest damage intensity of T. javanicus occurred in Pojok.

Survey of the Scale Insects and Mealybugs Species and its Associated Natural Enemies on Mango Trees in Different Governorates in Egypt

Studies on survey of scale insects and mealybugs infested mango trees and its associated parasitoids and predators were carried out at five governorates in Egypt during two successive years (2013- 2014 and 2014- 2015). The obtained results provided the occurrence of ten scale insects and mealybugs species found on mango trees. These species were Kilifia acuminata (Signoret), Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, Pulvinaria psidii (Maskell), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Lepidosaphes pallidula (Maskell), Planococcus citri Risso, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) and Hemiberlesia lataniae (Signoret). Also, We recorded many species of parasitoids were associated with scale insects and mealybugs during two years of study. The parasitoids species were Metaphycus flavus (Haward), Habrolepis aspidioti( Compere & Annecke), Encarsia citrine Craw, Aphytis chrysomphali Mercet and Aphytis lepidosaphes Compere and we recorded several of predators were associated with scale insects and mealybugs, Rodalia cardinalis (Mulsant), Scymnus syriacus (Marseul), Exochomus flavipes (Thunberg) and Hemisarcoptes coccophagus (Meyer).

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi with variable pathogenicities against grapevine mealybug in vineyards

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi with variable pathogenicities against grapevine mealybug in vineyards

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) Register in Teak Forest Santds in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) Register in Teak Forest Santds in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil