Int. J. Life. Sci. Scienti. Res., 3(3): 973-979
RESEARCH
ARTICLE
MAY 2017
Host Diversity of Mealybugs in Thrissur District, Kerala State, India Juvin Jose* Neelankavil (H), Choolissery. P.O., Thrissur-680541, Kerala, India
*
Address for Correspondence: Mr. Juvin Jose, Neelankavil (H), Choolissery. P.O., Thrissur- 680541, Kerala, India Received: 19 February 2017/Revised: 16 March 2017/Accepted: 21April 2017
ABSTRACT- Survey conducted in two summer season. 24 coccoidean species were recorded. They are belonging to the
family Pseudococidae (5 species) and Monophlebidae (19 species). Among these Dysmicoccus brevipes, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes and Geococcus coffeae were three root mealybug species recorded. Associate incidence was found among certain species range i.e., Ferrisia virgata, Paracoccus marginatus, Pseudococcus longispinus, Icerya seychellarum and Coccidohystrix insolita from different spots of the district. Anoplolepis gracilipes and Solenopsis geminata and Oecophylla smaragdina were ants observed with different mealybugs colony. Key-words- Season, Mealybug, Polyphagous, Floral diversity, Thrissur district
INTRODUCTION
Around the world mealybugs are now common pest group. The cosmopolitan pest risk increases in each annual turns. It is a small white insect with wax covering. They always hide and attached underneath of stem and leaves. But certain species prefer roots of the plant host. After successful attachment they started sap feeding using their piercing mouthparts. During this succeeding duration they secrete honey dew (A sugary solution). This makes ants attentive in their colony. Parallelly ants give protection from predation. The sporadic pest show high fecundity and wide host range. These are major factors of their invasiveness and colonization. The sap feeders generally prefer warmer climate for their localisation. In some instance mealybugs acts as vector of plant virus and transmitting diseases. In Uganda certain mealybug species transmits banana streak virus, this will makes their induced affect on plant host more worst [1]. In phytogeography of Kerala ravage of the coccoidean species now common. The hemipetran pest damage all floral diversities include agricultural, ornamental and wild. Every season a fringe of floral richness damaged due to the polyphagous species. So an area wise cataloguing is necessary. The relevancy is put forth in this study. Access this article online
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Website: www.ijlssr.com DOI: 10.21276/ijlssr.2017.3.3.2
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Survey conducted in 2014 and 2015 from February to May. Collections sites were documented with Garmin GPS 60. Pest incidence photos recorded with NIKON COOL PIX AW120. Collected samples are preserved in 70% alcohol with proper label. Label comprises name of location, date of collection and name of collectors. In field diary the following attributes also recorded viz. climate of the day, name of the host, infested plant part, nature of damage and ant movement. Plant host species confirmed using Flowering plants of Kerala ver. 2.0 database of Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi. Ant identification and conformation done using keys of research report entitled ‘Invasive Ant Risk Assessment’.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Thrissur is midland district of Kerala. Its coordinates lies between 10 oN latitude and 76 oE longitude. Total land area 3032 km2 of the district covered with rich vegetation. Tropical monsoon climate and different agro-ecological fringes are other important factors of the Thrissur district. Considering the warmer climate affinity survey conducted in two summer seasons of 2014 and 2015. The survey revealed 24 coccoidean species from different floral diversity of Thrissur district and belongs to Monophlebidae and Pseudococidae family (Plate 1 to Plate 24). It again spread over to four tribes Iceryini (5 species) Phenacoccinini (8 species) Pseudococcinini (10 species) Rhizoecini (1 species) respectively (Fig. 1). Generally these species are polyphagous. They commonly located and hide in underneath of the leaves and stem. From terminal bud to root hairs its incidence documented in this survey. Reduced vigour, leaf crinkling and yellowing were the general symptoms showed plants during initial stages of attack. Dieback and premature leaf drop are major
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