The study about some biological parameters of cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and its parasitoid Aenasius arizonensis Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

This study has been conducted under laboratory and field conditions between 2017-2019. Firstly the distribution of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) with parasitoids and predators was determined in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Host-stage preference, the developmental period at different temperatures, the numerical-functional response of its parasitoid, Aenasius arizonensis Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were determined and life table of this parasitoid has occurred. Besides, the release studies of A.arizonensis have been done in Adana and Mersin during this study. Phenacoccus solenopsis, its parasitoids and predators were detected in Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye and Hatay. According to the results of laboratory studies, 3rd nymphal stage and adult stage (%70-72) were preferred by A. arizonensis. The most suitable temperature for the development of this parasitoid is 25 oC and adults emerged from the pupal stage about 16 days. Oviposition period is 26 days, the longevity of female and male adult is 31, 18 days at 25 oC respectively. The life table parameters were also calculated at 25 oC (R0=41.25 nymphs/female, rm=0.135 d-1, λ=1.144 d-1, GRR=60,90 nymphs/female). The release studies showed that the parasitism rate of A. arizonensis reached to 80-82 % during this study. Consequently, A. arizonensis could be used as an effective biological control agent against P. solenopsis.