Mealybug Species Research Articles

Hyperpredation of local adults ladybirds on the eggs of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri a potential predator of carmine cactus cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae in Morocco

The mealybug destroyer Cryptolaemus montrouzieri has been introduced in many countries for biological control of mealybug species, recently the ladybeetle was tested on the biocontrol efficiency of Dactylopius opuntiae in many countries such as Brazil, Israel, and Morocco. Also, a total of thirteen species belonging to three orders and three families of local natural enemies associated to D. opuntiae were collected from Zemamra locality, and Gharbia locality in the Sidi Bennour region (120 km north-west of Marrakech), Morocco, and identified. A laboratory examination of C. montrouzieri eggs predation by eleven Morocco local generalist predators adults Hyperaspis campestris, Scymnus interruptus. Scymnus loewii, Nephus redtenbacheri, Scymnus latemaculatus, Scymnus guttulatus, Exochomus nigripennis, Coccinella septempunctata, Hippodamia convergens, Chilocorus bipustulatus, and Chilocorus politus showed that C. septempunctata had the highest predation on C. montrouzieri eggs (51 to 99% after 24 h) when provided with, or without, an alternative food supply (D. opuntiae first and second instars nymphs and Aphis fabae larvae). The addition of an alternative food source reduced egg predation by local polyphagous ladybeetles adults tested. These findings should be considered during biocontrol program on D. opuntiae and mass-rearing production.

Trophobiosis between a new species of Williamsrhizoecus (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) and Acropyga silvestrii (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Tanzania

A new myrmecophilous species of root mealybug, Williamsrhizoecus udzungwensis sp. n., is described from individuals found living within a nest of Acropyga silvestrii in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. Acropyga ants are highly specialized, obligate associates of scale insects, typically members of the scale family Xenococcidae. Acropyga are best known for vertically transmitting trophobiotic partners during their nuptial flights and for housing them within brood chambers. This article presents the first record of trophobiosis between a species of Williamsrhizoecus and Acropyga, and only the second record of an association between Acropyga and rhizoecids in the Old World. This discovery contributes important information about the few species of Rhizoecidae confirmed to engage in these unique symbioses, each putatively the result of a past horizontal transmission event from a xenococcid to a rhizoecid lineage. Included is a discussion on the diagnosis of Williamsrhizoecus and an updated key to the species.

The impact of three mealybug species on life table parameters of vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis ( Mulsant ) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

This study aimed to measure survivorship and fecundity of the vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) reared on three mealybug species (Icerya purchasi Maskell, Planococcus ficus (Signoret)and Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti)). The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions, life table and population parameters were established to evaluate survivorship in all stages of the vedalia beetle life cycle. Results obtained from this experiment showed that the highest rates of death were recorded in the immature stages (larval stages) for all prey was 42.86, 45, 44.11 % and the total mortality was 57.69, 62.11, and 50 % on I. purchasi, P. ficus and P. longispinus respectively. Fertility tables recorded that the reproductive rate R0 of the population was 139.98, 81.10, 37.70 and mean generation time T was 35.85, 44.71, 44.03 and the intrinsic rate of increase r was 0.14, 0.09, 0.08 and the population doubling time DT was within 4.95, 6.93,8.66 day for three mealybug species respectively. Based on the mentioned results, it could be proved that the survivorship curve of Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant)belongs to a diagonal model curve, which indicates a humble rate of death during life stages and piecemeal reduction when moving toward adulthood with a significant influence of nutrition preference for I. purchasi comparative with P. ficus and P. longispinus.

Specific Real-Time PCR for the Detection and Absolute Quantitation of Grapevine Roditis Leaf Discoloration-Associated Virus, an EPPO Alert Pathogen.

Grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration-associated virus (GRLDaV) is an emerging grapevine pathogen included in the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) alert list due to its ability to damage grapevine crops and cause production losses. This work aimed to develop a specific and reliable diagnostic tool that would contribute to preventing the spread of this pathogen. Therefore, a TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR was developed. The method was validated according to EPPO guidelines showing a high degree of analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, selectivity, and repeatability and reproducibility. The sensitivity of this method is much higher than the sensitivity reached by previously reported methods even when tested in crude extracts, which could allow rapid testing by avoiding nucleic acid extraction steps. The method was also able to detect GRLDaV isolates from all the geographic origins reported so far, despite their high degree of genetic diversity. In addition, this new technique has been successfully applied for the quantitative detection of GRLDaV in plant material and two mealybug species, Planococcus citri and Pseudococcus viburni. In conclusion, the methodology developed herein represents a significant contribution to the diagnosis and control of this emerging pathogen in grapevine.

A new Atrococcus species (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae) from China, with a key to Chinese species.

A new mealybug species Atrococcus rushuiensis Zhang, sp. nov., collected under the leaf sheath of Sporobolus fertilis (Poaceae) in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated. A new combination is introduced, transferring Allotrionymus shanxiensis Wu to the genus Atrococcus as A. shanxiensis (Wu), comb. nov. A key is presented for the species of Atrococcus recorded from China.

Towards a development of novel bioinsecticides for organic control of Planococcus ficus in vineyards

The mealybug species, Planococcus ficus Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a pest that mainly affects grapevine plantations (Vitis vinifera L.), causing huge economic losses in the world. The numerous problems caused by the use of synthetic pesticides on the environment and human health have motivated the development and implementation of natural pesticides. The objective of this work was to develop effective and efficient contact bioinsecticide formulations for the control of P. ficus in vineyards. Anti-mealybug formulations were developed using (R)-(+)-pulegone as an active principle, TWEEN® 20 and soy lecithin powder as surfactants, and limonene and diatomaceous earth (DE) as insect waxy layer reducers. The insecticidal properties of formulations against vine mealybugs and their grapevine leaf phytotoxicity were evaluated in laboratory conditions. Pulegone+DE+Lecithin and Pulegone+Limonene+DE+Lecithin formulations showed the highest mortality rates of P. ficus (more than 70 % mortality) at 24 h and 48 h of treatment. This high mortality is probably due to an interaction between pulegone, DE and soy lecithin that allows more molecular mobility and increases the efficiency of the active substance, making it enter and act on the insect. In conclusion, the Pulegone+DE+Lecithin and Pulegone+Limonene+DE+Lecithin formulations can be an efficient tool for the organic control of P. ficus in vineyards.

Some Ecological Aspects on the Striped Mealybug Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) Infesting Acalypha Shrubs in Qalyubiya Governorate, Egypt

Acalypha shrubs Acalypha wilkesiana Mull.(Euphorbiaceae) found to be favorable host for the striped mealybug Ferrisia virgate (Cockerell)( Pseudococcidae) . This mealybug species is attacked all plant parts and caused considerable damages to this host. Some ecological aspects were carried out on F. virgata infesting acalypha shrubs throughout two successive years (2014-2015) and (2015-2016) in Qalyubiya Governorate. Results obtained showed that population density was more abundant during the second year than the first one, the annual means of total population were 62.02 and 52.01 individuals/leaf), respectively. Also, results revealed that, seasonal abundance of F. virgata found to be active from June to January of next year. The population density was reached its maximum activity on October during both years being 123.0 and 145.2 individuals /leaf for the first and second year, respectively. The prevailing main average temperature and relative humidity were ranging between 22.8°C, 24.2°C and 67%, 64% for the 1st and 2nd years, respectively. These conditions seemed to be favorable conditions for insect activity. After this activity period all stages of this species were disappeared from all plant parts. This phenomenon indicate that this mealybug species was overwinter during winter and spring seasons till the next summer. From these findings it could be stated that any control measurements must be early applied during June, at the beginning of activity period of this mealybug species. Also, results clarified that F. virgate was passed through two annual overlapping field generations on acalypha shrubs. Duration of the first generation was ranged between 80-85 days which occurred during summer months. While the second generation was lasted 75 days and occurred during autumn. Statistical analysis revealed that separate effect of each mean, two weeks earlier of the four selected weather factors on changes in population density of F. virgata most factors had insignificant effects except mean minimum temperature which had positive significant effects throughout the both years (r coefficient values were 0.589 and 0.677). While the combined effects of the four selected factors (mean minimum, maximum temperature, average temperature and mean percentage of relative humidity), two weeks earlier, had significant effects, as a group on the change in population density especially during (2014-2015) , the explained variance was 79.2% and F value 14.4.

A review of neococcid scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) based on the morphology of the adult males.

The importance of adult male morphology in elucidating the phylogeny of scale insects (Coccomorpha) was first suggested by Balachowsky and Ferris in the late 1930s. However, the first extensive comparisons of adult male morphology were made by Jancke (1955) and Theron (1958), both of whom looked at the morphology of various groups of Coccomorpha. Theron's study, under the guidance of K.L. Boratyński, set a new standard for detail and accuracy (although he did not describe the setae). These studies were closely followed by Beardsley (1962), who described the adult males of 30 mealybug species from Hawaii, and then by three more of Boratyński's students who produced highly significant monographs on particular families, namely Ghauri (1962) who described 26 species of Diaspididae, Giliomee (1967a) who described 22 species of Coccidae and Afifi (1968) who described 17 species of Pseudococcidae and 7 species of Eriococcidae. Since then, the adult males of more than 300 neococcoid species have been described in considerable detail (Appendix A). Adult males of a further 48 species are described or redescribed and illustrated in this monograph (Acanthococcus adenostomae (Ehrhorn), Eriochiton armatus Brittin; Apiomorpha munita tereticornuta Gullan; A. ovicola (Froggatt); A. pharetrata (Schrader); A. rosaeformis (Froggatt); A. spinifer Froggatt; Dactylopius coccus (Costa); Callococcus leptospermi (Maskell); Lachnodius ?eucalypti (Maskell); Tanyscelis verrucula (Froggatt); Beesonia dipterocarpi Green; Parastictococcus brachystegiae (Hall); P. hargreavesi (Vayssière); P. multispinosus (Newstead); Stictococcus intermedius Newstead; S. vayssierei Richard; Conchaspis angraeci Cockerell; C. capensis Linnaeus; C. socialis Green; C. vayssierei Mamet; Leucaspis gigas (Maskell); Labidaspis myersi (Green); Allokermes galliformis (Riley); Kermes shastensis Ehrhorn; Kermes sp.; Tachardina aurantiaca (Cockerell); Tachardiella sp.; Cerococcus artemisiae (Cockerell); Antecerococcus indicus (Maskell); A. ornatus (Green); Bambusaspis delicata (Green); B. longa (Green); Asterolecanium petrophilae (Fuller); Hsuia cheni Borchsenius; Aclerda arundinariae McConnell; A. distorta Green; A. tillandsiae Howell; A. tokionis Cockerell; Aclerda sp. A; Aclerda sp. B; Luzulaspis caricis (Ehrhorn); Akermes scrobiculatus (Maskell); A. pingue (Maskell); Cardiococcus major (Maskell); Ctenochiton serratus Green; C. eucalypti Maskell, and ?Pulvinaria dodonaeae Maskell). This paper summarises the data from all of these descriptions, and provides diagnoses for the adult male morphology for all of the neococcoid families and other taxa discussed here. Because our concept of the "Eriococcidae" remains uncertain, extra attention has been payed to the taxa considered to be most closely involved. At least 1 illustration is included of an adult male of each of the taxa (mainly families) discussed here. Identification keys are provided for most of the males described to-date.

Report on two African mealybug species (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha).

Most mealybug species in the Afrotropical Region have been described or redescribed adequately and their identities are now well established. The species are listed in the catalogue of world species by Ben-Dov (1994) and in ScaleNet, an online database of the scale insects (García-Morales et al. 2019). The genera found in South Africa, and their type species, were discussed by Millar (2002). However, two species remain that have not been discussed since they were described, and their identities remain obscure. Here we discuss these species.

Biological controls in botanic gardens

Biological control of insect pests in horticulture is evolving rapidly but use in botanic gardens can be difficult due to the variety and extent of the plant collections held at these gardens. This paper describes examples of successful biological control of mealybug species at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and looks at some of the challenges to extending the use of such controls in all environments.

Interception of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) at import during phytosanitary inspections in South Korea from 1996 to 2018

A total of 48 species of mealybugs from 47 different countries were intercepted by plant health inspectors in consignments of plants and plant products at ports of entry in South Korea from 1996 to 2018. A list of all the species identified, along with a dichotomous taxonomic key to the 48 intercepted species of mealybugs, is provided to help in the detection and identification of species of this important group of plant pests.

Natural Enemies of the Harrisia Cactus Mealybug and Other Hypogeococcus Species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Puerto Rico: Identification and Taxonomic Notes on Primary and Secondary Parasitoids.

Primary and secondary parasitoids of Hypogeococcus spp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Cactaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Portulacaceae were reported from field surveys conducted in Puerto Rico, USA, since 2009. Resident natural enemies of the Harrisia cactus mealybug (HCM), Hypogeococcus sp., which is devastating native cacti in Puerto Rico and threatening cacti in the adjacent Caribbean islands, were documented prior to the planned introductions of non-native biological control agents from South America against this pest. Two species of Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) were recorded as primary parasitoids of the HCM on Cactaceae: Leptomastidea hypogeococci Triapitsyn, which was the most common, and Anagyrus quilmes Triapitsyn, Logarzo & Aguirre. Another primary parasitoid, Acerophagus sp. near nubilipennis Dozier (Encyrtidae), was also reared from a different Hypogeococcus sp. on Amaranthaceae and Portulacaceae. Hyperparasitoids, usually via L. hypogeococci, included Prochiloneurus narendrani Noyes & Triapitsyn (Encyrtidae), Pachyneuron sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), Chartocerus elongatus (Girault), and Chartocerus niger (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae). Cheiloneurus chrisiantorresi Triapitsyn sp. n. (Encyrtidae) is newly described and illustrated; its status as a suspect hyperparasitoid of Hypogeococcus sp. on Amaranthaceae and Portulacaceae, along with that of Cheiloneurus sp., will need to be verified. The recorded HCM predators include one species of Chamaemyiidae (Diptera), Leucopina bella (Loew), and three species of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera): Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, Decadiomus austrinus (Gordon), and Scymnobius flavifrons (Melsheimer).

Identification of Vitis Cultivars, Rootstocks, and Species Expressing Resistance to a Planococcus Mealybug.

Mealybugs cause economic loss to vineyards through physical damage, fouling fruit and leaves with honeydew, and the transmission of viruses. Planococcus ficus is one of several mealybug species in vineyards, and one that causes economic damage over a relatively large global range. To develop novel management tools, host resistance to P. ficus, which has not previously been identified for any grape cultivars, was studied. Ten grape lines (species, cultivars, and rootstocks) were evaluated for P. ficus resistance across two separate potted plant assays. Significant differences were detected among cultivars and rootstocks in the recorded number of P. ficus juveniles, adults, and egg sacs. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay were two of the most favorable grape cultivars for mealybug population growth, whereas rootstocks IAC 572, 10-17A, and RS-3 all demonstrated some level of resistance. Southern fire ant (Solenopsis xyloni) was positively associated with mealybug populations, but did not have a negative effect on the observed presence of other arthropod species including potential predators.

Range expansion of the invasive cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley: An increasing threat to agricultural and horticultural crops in China

The globally invasive cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, has recently invaded several Chinese regions, and continues to expand its range. This mealybug is a polyphagous insect pest, with at least 200 host plants from 63 families, including cotton, food crops, fruits, ornamental plants, tobacco, and vegetables. Here, we describe the first finding of P. solenopsis in Shandong Province, and investigate the abundances of its natural enemies (predator Coccinella septempunctata L. and parasitoid Aenasius bambawalei Hayat). All three species were detected from ornamental and weed species in Linyi, Shandong, in September 2018, and were positively identified using DNA barcoding. BLAST analysis revealed significant identity (99.38–100%) between sequences of P. solenopsis obtained in this study and those published in the past. This invasive pest represents a major potential threat to agri-horticulture in Shandong, which is a key province of China for production and export of many vegetables, flowers, fruits, and other crops. This mealybug species has a wide range of potential distribution in Shandong and is easily dispersed with agricultural and horticultural transport products. Further monitoring and management strategies are required to limit the spread of this pest species.

Temperature and prey assessment on the performance of the mealybug predator Tenuisvalvae notata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

AbstractTenuisvalvae notata preys upon several mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a group of worldwide pests including Planococcus citri and Ferrisia dasyrilii. Although the consequences of variation in temperature for the development and reproduction of insects are generally appreciated, the consequences of potential interactions between temperature and prey for predatory insects are not. Thermal requirements and predation rates were determined for T. notata at different constant temperatures with both prey species. T. notata larvae developed to adults in experimental conditions > 18 to <38 °C. The upper thermal limit for egg hatch was 34 °C and for pupation was 33 °C. Adults reared at ≥32 °C did not lay eggs and survived less than 1 week. Prey species did not affect lower temperature thresholds or thermal constants for development from egg to adult. Furthermore, prey did not affect a number of reproductive traits, but the interaction between temperature and prey affected changes in developmental times and oviposition rate with age. Predation rate of T. notata increased as a function of temperature, and T. notata adults generally consumed more nymphs of P. citri than F. dasyrilii. These findings indicate that T. notata is well adapted to the tropical and sub‐tropical temperatures and may prove useful for the biological control of some native and non‐native mealybugs.

A novel computational approach to the silencing of Sugarcane Bacilliform Guadeloupe A Virus determines potential host-derived MicroRNAs in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.).

Sugarcane Bacilliform Guadeloupe A Virus (SCBGAV, genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae) is an emerging, deleterious pathogen of sugarcane which presents a substantial barrier to producing high sugarcane earnings. Sugarcane bacilliform viruses (SCBVs) are one of the main species that infect sugarcane. During the last 30 years, significant genetic changes in SCBV strains have been observed with a high risk of disease incidence associated with crop damage. SCBV infection may lead to significant losses in biomass production in susceptible sugarcane cultivars. The circular, double-stranded (ds) DNA genome of SCBGAV (7.4 Kb) is composed of three open reading frames (ORFs) on the positive strand that replicate by a reverse transcriptase. SCBGAV can infect sugarcane in a semipersistent manner via the insect vectors sugarcane mealybug species. In the current study, we used miRNA target prediction algorithms to identify and comprehensively analyze the genome-wide sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)-encoded microRNA (miRNA) targets against the SCBGAV. Mature miRNA target sequences were retrieved from the miRBase (miRNA database) and were further analyzed for hybridization to the SCBGAV genome. Multiple computational approaches—including miRNA-target seed pairing, multiple target positions, minimum free energy, target site accessibility, maximum complementarity, pattern recognition and minimum folding energy for attachments—were considered by all algorithms. Among them, sof-miR396 was identified as the top effective candidate, capable of targeting the vital ORF3 of the SCBGAV genome. miRanda, RNA22 and RNAhybrid algorithms predicted hybridization of sof-miR396 at common locus position 3394. The predicted sugarcane miRNAs against viral mRNA targets possess antiviral activities, leading to translational inhibition by mRNA cleavage. Interaction network of sugarcane-encoded miRNAs with SCBGAV genes, created using Circos, allow analyze new targets. The finding of the present study acts as a first step towards the creation of SCBGAV-resistant sugarcane through the expression of the identified miRNAs.

Trends in vector-borne transmission efficiency from coinfected hosts: Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3 and Grapevine virus A

Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) is the most prevalent and destructive virus species that contributes to grapevine leafroll disease, an economically damaging disease that affects vineyards globally. Grapevine virus A (GVA) is a virus species in the rugose wood complex and is associated with several vineyard diseases. Both virus species are transmitted by several mealybug species. Transmission efficiency is a major facet of pathogen spread and may be influenced by virus species interactions in the vector or host. We tested transmission efficiency of GLRaV-3 and GVA from nine field-collected source vine samples of Vitis vinifera cv Chardonnay by first instars of Planococcus ficus. Transmission of GLRaV-3 was 22% greater than transmission of GVA. Establishment of new mixed GLRaV-3/GVA infections did not differ significantly from single GLRaV-3 infections following inoculation by P. ficus. These results suggest that GVA may have a higher likelihood of establishing new infections in concert with GLRaV-3 than in single infections.

A new species of mealybug (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae)from Tectona grandis L.f. (Lamiaceae) in southern India.

A new species of mealybug, Formicococcus tectonae Joshi, Bindu Gullan sp. n., is described and illustrated based on adult females collected from teak, Tectona grandis (Lamiaceae), in plantations in Thrissur district, Kerala, southern India. The mealybug lives in tunnels made by the teak trunk borer, Cossus cadambae (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae). Ants of a Tapinoma species were found in the tunnels, tending the mealybugs. The new mealybug is most similar morphologically to F. polysperes Williams and F. robustus (Ezzat McConnell) comb. rev. A key to adult females of all the Formicococcus species recorded from India is provided.

New data on the fauna of mealybugs (Hemiptera; Pseudococcidae) inhabiting subtropical plants in the Lankaran-Astara Region of Azerbaijan

Invasive insect species enter new environment mainly with their host plants and spread rapidly in new conditions due to the absence of natural entomophages that can effectively limit their numbers. Comprehensive studies of the invaders, including crop pest, are of great importance for agricultural practice. In this regard, we investigated mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) in the orchards of five subtropical species, viz. lemon (Citrus limon) mandarin (Citrus reticulate), orange (Citrus sinensis), persimmon (Diospyros kaki), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) in the Lankaran-Astara Region of Azerbaijan. The research was conducted in 2016‒2019 in various seasons. Three mealybug species were recorded from the area in question: Pseudococcus comstocki Kuwana 1902, Pseudococcus viburni Signoret 1875, Pseudococcus calceolariae (Maskell, 1879). An annotated list of species provides collecting localities, their geographical coordinates, dates of collection, and the number of individuals found. We obtained data on species distribution, biology, host plants and signs of infestation. Ps. viburni was registered in the fauna of Azerbaijan for the first time; a developement period of its larvae and imagoes is provided. The highest infestation of the vegetative organs was observed on the citrus plants: on average, 30 % of trees were damaged by Ps. comstocki, 27 % by Ps. viburni, and 21 % by Ps. calceolariae. Two mealybug species (Ps. comstocki, Ps. viburni) were found on the persimmon and only one species (Ps. comstocki) on the pomegranate. Ps. comstocki population density was the highest in the study area (3–5 larvae per 10 cm of branches, and 4–5 colonies per 100 leaves during flowering). All three species were found together on the stems and leaves of citrus crops; Ps. comstocki was observed on the fruits of mandarin and persimmon, and Ps. viburni was only on the persimmon. Based on the data obtained, the degree of harmfulness of the above species was determined: for Ps. comstocki – 3–5 larvae per 10 cm of branches, and 4–5 colonies per 100 leaves during flowering; for Ps. viburni – 2–3 larvae per 10 cm of branches, and 3–4 colonies per 100 leaves during flowering; and for Ps. calceolariae – 2–3 larvae per 10 cm of branches, and 2–3 colonies per 100 leaves during flowering.

Mass Rearing of Mealybug Predator, <em>Cryptolaemus montrouzieri</em> Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on two Mealybug Species, <em>Planococcus minor</em> and <em>Pseudococcus viburni</em>

Mealybug predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is an effective biocontrol agent against various species of mealybugs. This study was aimed to develop a protocol for mass production of C. montrouzieri with the aid of two mealybug host species; Planococcus minor and Pseudococcus viburni, under laboratory conditions. The predator was reared on P. minor and P. viburni, using two substrates; local pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and Malaysian pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima). The incubation period of eggs, durations of first instar larvae and pupae of C. montrouzieri were significantly different with two host species (p<0.05). Production of C. montrouzieri was significantly vary (F(1,12) = 75.32, p<0.001) with the two pumpkin varieties. Production of C. montrouzieri was significantly higher with local pumpkins; C. moschata (t(14) = 6.11; p<0.05). The results indicated that, by starting the culture with 20 females and 15 males of C. montrouzieri, an average of 300.3 ± 41.8 and 180.4 ± 36.5 C. montrouzieri adults can be produced using two pumpkin varieties: C. moschata and C. maxima, respectively (surface area 1000 cm2). Production of C. montrouzieri was significantly varied with the number of grooves appear on the surface area (1000 cm2) of the pumpkin variety, C. maxima with the two host P. minor (R2= 0.9608, F(1,2) = 49.06, p<0.05) (Y = 7.326*X + 41.02) and P. viburni (R2= 0.9470, F(1,2) = 35.76, p<0.05) (Y = 15.14*X – 53.22). Cost of production for a single C. montrouzieri, with the host P. minor reared on local pumpkin, C. moschata was found to be the lowest. It can be concluded that the selected mealybug species reared on C. moschata was more suitable for mass rearing the mealybug predator.