1Department of Entomology, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Baburayanpettai, Chengalpattu-603 201, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Corresponding Author: R. Nisha; N. Murugan, Department of Entomology, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Baburayanpettai, Chengalpattu-603 201, Tamil Nadu, India. Emails: nisharengadoss@gmail.com; murugan.agri@gmail.com
The life cycle of the parasitoid Acerophagus papayae Noyes and Schauff is being documented in this work, which is essential for its successful application in integrated pest management initiatives.
Papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Granara de Willink Williams, which were taken from different host plants, were used to assess the life cycle. The development of the parasitoid differed based on the mealybug’s host plant, according to the results.
The physiology and behavior of P. marginatus were altered by the host, which had an indirect effect on A. papayae performance. According to an investigation of age-specific life tables, the parasitoid’s net reproductive rate (NRR) was lowest on tapioca (282.53), greatest on papaya (559.48 females/female) and lowest on cotton (498.28). These reproductive rates mirrored those of the mealybug across host plants. Development time was shorter and progeny output was higher on papaya and cotton, while the reverse was true for tapioca and hibiscus. The capacity for increase (rc) was highest in papaya (0.512) and lowest in tapioca (0.324). Similarly, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) followed the same trend, with a maximum of 0.570/day in papaya and a minimum of 0.342/day in tapioca. These findings highlight how host plants influence the parasitoid’s biology and offer valuable insights for enhancing mealybug control strategies.
Acerophagus papayae, Biological control, Host plant influence, Life cycle, Paracoccus marginatus
