Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) movement and demography: methods for generating cohorts for laboratory...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management
• Insect Behavior

Background:

• Planococcus ficus (mealybugs) are significant global pests of grapevines.
• Mealybug overwintering and seasonal migration patterns influence infestation dynamics.
• Understanding the stage-specific movement and survival of mealybugs is crucial for effective control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the demography and movement behavior of Planococcus ficus across different life stages.
• To assess the survival rates and establishment potential of mealybugs under starvation conditions.
• To provide insights into the dispersal mechanisms and pest potential of P. ficus.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory experiments monitored P. ficus populations on grapevine seedlings over six weeks.
• Cohorts of mealybugs were generated and exposed to different durations (0-4 weeks) to study movement.
• Establishment rates and starvation tolerance were quantified for various age cohorts.

Main Results:

• Crawlers (0-week-old) exhibited upward movement and phototaxis, while 4-week-old mealybugs moved downwards.
• Older and larger mealybugs demonstrated higher establishment rates and greater longevity without food.
• Starved 4-week-old females retained reproductive viability, and starved nymphs produced viable males.

Conclusions:

• Mealybug movement behavior is strongly stage-dependent, influencing their dispersal within grapevines.
• Older P. ficus stages possess enhanced survival capabilities, increasing the risk of passive pest spread.
• The study provides methods for cohort production and critical data for P. ficus pest management.