International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Iqra, Seema Tahir, Muhammad Samiullah Channa, Tahir Anwar

Abstract
In this study, biological parameters of the papaya mealybug (PMB), Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink, on two hosts, sprouted potato (Solanum tuberosum) and long bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) vegetables, were investigated under semi-controlled laboratory conditions; to determine the host suitability for rearing of this insect that to be used for augmentation of its natural enemies and for experimental animal in scientific research. Papaya mealybugs have established and completed their lifecycle on both of the hosts; however, there were differences in the biological parameters. The total lifespan of Paracoccus marginatus on sprouted potato was 38.8±4.4 days for female and 25±2.3 days for male while on long bottle gourd, it was 30.8±5.8 days for female and 22.4±2.6 days for male, respectively. The observed nymphal period of the PMB female varies from 15 to 20 (17.8±2.28) days on sprouted potato and 13 to 17 days (15.0±2.0) on long bottle gourd. The nymphal period exhibited by the PMB male on sprouted potato and long bottle gourd was 22.2±2.0 and 20.8±2.3 days, correspondingly. Longevity was not affected by hosts for males and averaged 2.6±0.5 days. In contrast, the longevity of the female on both hosts found dissimilar; for sprouted potato and long bottle gourd, it was 21.6±2.6 and 17.8±2.8 days, respectively. The fertility of PMB female on sprouted potato and long bottle gourd was observed as 168.8±60.5 and 103.4±30.8 crawlers, the first instar nymphs of PMB, per female, respectively. Parthenogenesis occurred in PMB on both of the laboratory hosts. Sprouted potato are preferable as laboratory host as compared to long bottle gourd.