Investigations on Some Biological Characters of Pseudococcus Cryptus (Hempel) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Four Citrus Species

Abstract

The developmental time, longevity, fecundity, sex ratio, duration of preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition, number of nymphs and life table parameters of Pseudococcus cryptus (Hempel) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) were studied on four citrus (Rutaceae) species (Citrus paradisi, C. limon, C. unshiu, C. sinensis), in an acclimatized room at 25 +/- 2 degrees C, 60-70% relative humidity and 14:10h (1:d) photoperiod. The results suggest that some of the parameters for P cryptus populations were affected by the species of citrus, and that C. limon was the preferred host plant. The population parameters on C. limon were determined as r(m) = 0.1526 d(-1); R-0= 65.8 offspring/individual and T-0 = 27.4 days.