Population Dynamics, Parasitoids and Chemical Control of the Spherical Mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis on Sandal

Studies were conducted to investigate the population dynamics and efficacy of different insecticides against the spherical mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis. Its infestation was found throughout the year with two peaks of population the first during April-May and the other during February-March. On its nymphal population, maximum temperature exhibited significant positive correlation, while minimum temperature showed non-significant positive correlation. Morning relative humidity showed non-significant negative correlation, whereas evening relative humidity and total rainfall have exhibited non significant and positive correlation. It was found prasitised by 10 species of hymenopteran and two species of dipteran parasitoids. Among the insecticides tested oxydemeton-methyl, imidacloprid, chlorpyriphos, alphamethrin and deltamathrin were effective while nimbicidine and triazophos were not effective for the control this pest.