Abstract

The citrophilus mealybug, Pseudococcus calceolariae, is a polyphagous pest that has a major impact on fruit crops in central Chile, and is of quarantine importance for many markets. To study many control alternatives, it is important to develop efficient rearing protocols. The objective of this work was to determine mealybug development on three different plant substrates: Sprouted potatoes, lemon fruits and Butternut squash. Insects were inoculated on the substrates, maintained at 25°C and in total darkness until completing their development. Every one to 4 days, advancement on the development was checked by counting the exuvia. Mean developmental time for each stage, adult longevity, fecundity and fertility were determined. Preimaginal developmental time was similar for females and males, but it differed among plant substrates. For females, preimaginal development was about nine days shorter on potatoes, as compared to butternut squash or lemons, and for males about 12 days longer in squash than on the other two substrates. The preoviposition period was significantly longer in squash and consequently, a longer generational time resulted. Female adult longevity was similar in all substrates, around 31 days, and for males it was 6 days in potatoes and lemons and 4 days on squash. Female fecundity was similar in potatoes and squash, and lower on lemons. Egg fertility was significantly higher on potatoes. Parthenogenetic reproduction was not observed. Therefore, the three substrates were adequate for rearing P. calceolariae, but the shortest developmental time and highest fecundity and fertility were obtained on sprouted potatoes.