Biology of mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis tinsley) onbidi tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Studies on the biology of the mealy bug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley was carried out at various temperatures and relative humidity on tobacco at AAU, Anand. The incubation period was 1.4 to 2 days with an average of 1.48 ± 0.45 days. The male and female nymphs of mealy bug passed through four and three nymphal instars, respectively on tobacco. The duration of first instar nymph, second instar nymph and third instar nymphs of female mealy bug was 3 to 6 (4.30 ± 1.02 days), 4 to 8 (5.97 ± 1.15 days) and 5.58 ± 0.92 (4 to 7 days), respectively.The male nymphs were found to be forming white silken cocoon after third moulting. The duration of male cocoon was 4 to 6 days with an average of 5.00 ± 0.69 days. The longevity of male and female was 1 to 3 (2.42 ± 0.78 days) and 28 to 34(29.34 ± 1.55 days) respectively.The total life cycle of male and female was 20 to 26 (21.00 ± 2.36 days) and 43 to 54 (47.00 ± 2.50 days). The average pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were 4.88 ± 1.02, 16.55 ± 1.09 and 7.90 ± 1.21 days, respectively. The average number of eggs laid by a female during its life cycle was 448 ± 85.41 eggs.