S. K. Lad, S. A. More2, B. D. Shinde3 and M. M. Mane
Abstract
Biology of mealy bug, M. hirsutus was studied during winter and summer season. The average incubation period was 7.06 ± 0.77 days in winter whereas; in summer it was 4.0 ± 0.76 days. On an average 82.66 and 70.44 per cent eggs were hatched in November and April, respectively. The average preoviposition and oviposition were 6.4 ± 0.55 days and 12 ± 0.85 days, respectively in winter, whereas, 3.9 ± 0.80 and 5.9 ± 0.79 days, respectively in summer. During winter and summer seasons, the fecundity was 307.53 ± 2.07 and 309 ± 87.41 eggs, respectively. In winter, the total nymphal period ranged from 23 to 28 days with an average of 25.73 ± 2.13 days in case of female as against 21 to 28 days with a mean of 23.93 ± 2.96 days, in case of male. Whereas, in summer female nymph developed within 18 to 22 days with an average of 20.19 ± 1.86 days, while male nymph ompleted its development within 17 to 25 days with an average of 21.12 ± 2.92 days. The life cycle from egg to adult emergence in case of male and female mealy bugs took 23.93 ± 2.96 and 32.79 ± 3.92 days in winter season as against 21.12 ± 2.92 and 24.19 ± 2.62 days, in summer season. During winter, adult male and female survived on an average 4.53 ± 0.52 and 18.53 ± 0.99 days, respectively. Whereas, in summer adult male survived on an average of 3.53 ± 1.13 days and female for 9.93 ± 1.16 days.