The mealybug is a dangerous pest that attacks Sapota, Manilkara zapota (L.) tropical trees under Egyptian Agro-ecosystems

Abstract

Sapota, Manilkara zapota trees are very important tropical fruit which cultivated in many countries in the world. In recent years, Sapota trees have been cultivated in Giza, Egypt, because of their great nutritional importance. Sapota trees were attacked by many types of mealybugs, as five types were monitored and recorded: Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Planococcus citri, Ferrisia virgata, Phenacoccus solenopsis and Icerya seychellarum. The results of this investigation revealed that, M. hirsutus was the most dangerous of these insect pests that attack Sapota trees during the study seasons and we found that, the M. hirsutus peak population was recorded in early November 1701 individuals / 100 leaves during 2020-2021 and 1513 individuals / 100 leaves in 2021-2022 season. Also, we recorded three species of natural enemies were associated with M. hirsutus on Sapota trees. On the other hand, the impact of various temperatures on some biological aspects on immature stages and adult stages of M. hirsutus were studied. Durations of eggs, three nymph instars, pre -oviposition period, oviposition period and post-oviposition period were longest at 15° C and were lowest at 25 and 30° C. As well as longevity of females and males were lowest at 25 and 30° C and longest at 15°C. Fecundity of females was increased with increasing in temperatures. These results are important for improving the control of this insect and must be taken into account when developing an integrated pest management program.