Multiple Mating in the Citrophilous Mealybug Pseudococcus calceolariae: Implications for Mating Disruption

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Pest Management
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• The citrophilous mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae) is a significant agricultural pest, particularly on grapevines.
• Conventional insecticide use is challenging due to the pest's life cycle and habitat.
• Pheromone-based strategies offer eco-friendly alternatives for mealybug control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mating capacity of male citrophilous mealybugs.
• To assess the impact of male mating behavior on pheromone-based control efficacy.
• To understand male mate-location strategies in response to sex pheromone.

Main Methods:

• Assessing male fertilization capacity through multiple mating trials.
• Conducting flight tunnel experiments to evaluate male response to varying pheromone loadings.
• Observing male detection of females in the presence and absence of synthetic pheromone.

Main Results:

• A single male Pseudococcus calceolariae can successfully mate with up to 13 females.
• Male mating frequency decreased significantly with successive matings per day.
• High concentrations of synthetic sex pheromone significantly impaired male ability to locate females and reduced mating success.

Conclusions:

• Male polyandry in P. calceolariae may influence the effectiveness of mating disruption and mass trapping.
• Pheromone-based control strategies require careful consideration of pheromone dosage to avoid disrupting male orientation.
• Further research is needed to optimize pheromone deployment for citrophilous mealybug management.