Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 28, No 3 (2015)

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Seasonal incidence of grapevine mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) and its natural enemies

P. M. Prasanna, R. A. Balikai

Abstract


The studies on the seasonal incidence of grapevine mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) and their natural enemies was carried out for two consecutive years during 2009-10 and 2010-11. The infestation of mealy bug egg masses and colonies was observed throughout the year with peak incidence during fruiting season during both the seasons (December to March months). Seven predators and 12 parasitoids were recorded on mealy bug during the study period. During first season the population of predators viz., coccinellid beetles and lepidopteran predators ranged from 0 to 3.4 per vine. Higher population of predators was observed from 28 to 46th and 10 to 26th meteorological standard week (MSW). The maximum numbers of   predators (3.4/vine) were observed during 36th MSW.  The population of parasitoid was observed on the mealy bugs throughout the year during first season ranging from 0 to 7.8 per vine. The parasitoid population peaked during 36th MSW (7.8/vine). The population of predators and parasitoids on grapevine mealy bug, M. hirsutus in the second season and mean of two seasons followed almost similar trend as that of first season. The mealy bug showed negative correlation with relative humidities, rainfall, minimum temperature and positive correlation with maximum temperature and bright sunshine hours

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