Comparative life table statistics of Exochomus flaviventris reared on the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti, fed on four host plants
Publication Type
Journal Article
Journal Name
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
Publication Date
6-1-2005
Abstract
The economic importance of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is mainly due to its wide host range, variable kinds of damage, and great intraspecific variation. The delineation of two African biotypes of this pest has been carried by molecular, ecological, and host-affiliation approaches, with largely consistent results. However, an understanding of its intricate host-pest interaction is necessary as a basis of its sustainable integrated control. This study investigated the host preference and suitability of cassava and okra biotypes of B. tabaci, based on multiple-choice landing and oviposition preference assays and stage-specific survival on eight common whitefly hosts. The cassava biotype significantly preferred cassava, Manihot esculenta, for landing and oviposition, but did not oviposit on okra, Abelmoschus esculentus. The okra biotype preferred okra, oviposited on eggplant, Solarium melongena, tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, garden egg, Solanum integrifolium, and cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, but did not oviposit on cassava. The okra biotype developed on all hosts except cassava, but only survived marginally on cabbage, Brassica oleracea, and pepper, Capsicum annum var. grosum, while the cassava biotype did not develop on okra, cabbage, or pepper. Thus the observed host acceptance of the two biotypes is wider than earlier reported by host transfer experiments and molecular genetic surveys. Mortality was highest in the first instar nymphal stage, during which total mortality occurred on non-hosts. Development time was slightly longer on marginal hosts than on the preferred hosts. Cowpea, garden egg, and tomato are additional common hosts of the two biotypes, whose role as reservoir hosts and biotype interbreeding grounds should be investigated further. © 2005 The Netherlands Entomological Society.
Keywords
Aleyrodidae, Cassava biotype, Development time, Homoptera, Host selection, Okra biotype, Oviposition, Survival, Whiteflies
Recommended Citation
Omondi, A., Obeng-Ofori, D., Kyerematen, R., & Danquah, E. (2005). Comparative life table statistics of Exochomus flaviventris reared on the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti, fed on four host plants. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 115 (3), 393-400. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1570-7458.2005.00296.x