Biology and Host Suitability of Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink, 1992) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Five Different Hosts

The present study evaluates the biological parameters of the papaya mealybug (PMB), Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink, 1992), on five different host plants viz. papaya (Carica papaya L.), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.), jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.), mulberry (Morus alba L.) and marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), to determine the host suitability. An in-vitro experiment was conducted by maintaining the colony at a temperature of 25±5˚C and relative humidity of 65% and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D). P. marginatus completed its life cycle on all tested hosts, but its biological parameters varied based on host preference. The highest female fecundity was recorded on jatropha (309.0±27.68 eggs), while the lowest was on marigold (104.3±11.31 eggs). The pre-imaginal phase was longest on papaya and shortest on marigold. The total lifespan of P. marginatus was highest on Papaya (38.0±0.05 days for females and 24.6±1.66 days for males) and shortest on marigold (26.3±0.88 days for females and 16.3±1.33 days for males). These findings indicate that papaya is the most suitable host for P. marginatus while marigold is the least preferred. The present study builds a foundation for designing the management strategies for the future.