ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Photoperiod-related developmental responses and neem leaf extract treatment effects in mango mealy bug (Drosicha mangiferae)
Authors
Upasna kumari, S M Mahboob Hassan
Abstract
Mango mealy bug, Drosicha mangiferae Green, is an important
sap-feeding pest of mango that reduces plant vigor and contributes to serious
infestation under favorable seasonal conditions. The present study evaluated
the effect of increasing treatment doses on selected biological parameters of
mango mealy bug, with emphasis on adult emergence, development period, and
adult longevity. Four treatment levels were considered: control, 1/8 LD50, 1/4
LD50, and 1/2 LD50. The results showed a clear dose-dependent response. Adult
emergence declined from 94.0% in the control to 82.6%, 69.3%, and 48.7% with
increasing dose, while the development period increased from 28.3 days in the
control to 31.5, 34.8, and 39.4 days, respectively. Adult longevity also
decreased progressively from 16.4 days in the control to 14.8, 12.6, and 9.7
days in treated groups. These findings indicate that increasing treatment
concentration adversely affected successful development and adult survival. The
prolongation of development and reduction in adult longevity suggest substantial
sublethal effects on insect fitness. In relation to photoperiodism, the study
supports the view that developmental traits sensitive to seasonal regulation
may also be altered by treatment-induced stress. These results may help improve
management strategies for mango mealy bugs in mango production systems.
Download
Pages:158-163
How to cite this article:
Upasna kumari, S M Mahboob Hassan "Photoperiod-related developmental responses and neem leaf extract treatment effects in mango mealy bug (<i>Drosicha mangiferae</i>)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 158-163
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.