Mealy-Ant Association, Distribution and Extent of Damage Caused by Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on its Various Host Plants in Vadodara, Gujarat

A study conducted in the agricultural fields of Vadodara documented the incidence of Maconellicoccus hirsutus as one of the growing pests of the city. Hence the objective is to study the behavior of the pest to come out with an eco-friendly control measure before it crosses the economic injury level. Regular visits were made to different agricultural fields and community gardens of Vadodara to study the morphology, biology, distribution of the pest and its relation with its biotic and abiotic factors for a period of two years i. e. April 2013 - April 2015. The type & extent of damage on different host plants was also studied. Major infestation was evidenced from Annona squamosa followed by Hibiscus rosa-sinensis with significant infestation on Gossypium hirsutum. Adult females and nymphs were recorded to be the major infesting stages. Extent of damage was found maximum during winter months i. e. from November to February. Moreover, Mealy-ant association is a unique behavior reported which they employ for mutual benefit. Use of chemical pesticides prevails in the city which could be a probable reason for growing mealybug population. Hence such studies hold the base of IPM and needed to design an eco-friendly way for controlling the pest.