Bioecology of Solenopsis Mealybug, Phenacoccus Solenopsis : Development, Survival, Host Range and Natural Enemies

Solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus Solenopsis caused havoc to cotton crop in cotton growing states of India during 2006-2009 with moderate to high incidence in 40-50% of the affected fields. Being an introduced exotic pest, little information is available with respect to its bioecology. This book "Bioecology of Solenopsis Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis" is an attempt to describe various aspects of the pest including its biology on cotton and potato sprouts, morphology, population build up under caged and exposed conditions, population dynamics, monitoring technique, seasonal occurrence, host range, effect of different host plants, natural enemies and ant species associated with it, etc. The text is supported by a number of photographs and figures that would further help in building deeper understanding of the pest in entomologists, plant protection scientists, farmers, researchers and students alike.