Natural Enemy Complex Associated with the Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) Infesting Different Host Plants in India

Abstract

Recently, Indian cotton belt experienced a devastating outbreak of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. Natural enemy complex associated with P. solenopsis was explored by conducting extensive field surveys coupled with laboratory screening of samples collected from various localities across the country. A total of seventeen parasitoids inclusive of hyperparasitoids were identified. An encyrtid, Aenasius bambawalei Hayat, was found predominantly on P. solenopsis. Promuscidea unfasciativentris Girault predominated the hyperparasitic fauna. Interestingly, Aphanogmus sp. and Anastatus sp. were recorded for the first time on P. solenopsis. Additionally, eight species of Coccinellidae and two species of Chrysopidae were recovered as important predators.