Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Sirsa, Haryana-125055. E-mail: rishipareek70@yahoo.co.in
Fifty species of plants of taxonomic identity belonging to 20 families from field crops (4), fruits crops (5), ornamental crops (4), plantation crops (7), vegetable crops (9) and weed plants (21) were recorded as host of mealy bug. The studies conducted during 2007 and 2008 on its population dynamics revealed that the pest appeared on cotton immediately after sowing from other weed hosts and remained active throughout the cotton season. The peak infestation of P. solenopsis was recorded in August-September on cotton during both years. A low (1–10) to medium (10–20 ants/plant) grade population of ants were recorded on cotton plants infested withmealy bug. Seven predators and two parasitoids have been recorded feeding on mealy bug. Out of 14 insecticides tested profenofos @ 1250 ml, monocrotophos @ 1250 ml, chlorpyriphos @ 3000 ml, quinalphos @ 2000 ml, acephate @ 2000 g, thiodicarb @ 625 g and carbaryl WP @ 2500 g/ha were found effective as spot sprays.
Phenacoccus solenopsis, infestation, host range, natural enemies, insecticides
