Biology of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley on Hibiscus rosa-sinenensis in the urban landscape of Dezful, Southwest Iran

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is a global pest which recently causing serious damage to various crops and ornamental plants such as hibiscus shrubs in southwestern Iran. The field biology of this pest was investigated in Dezful during 2015-2016 season. Results indicated that in Dezful, P. solenopsis passes 11 generations per year. The first generation begins from early March to early April, and the 11th generation ends in the mid-March. The mealybug activities did not stop during the winter. The 8th generation was the shortest one which lasted 28.71±1.39 days from the late September to the mid-October. The longest generation time was also the 2nd one (47.47±0.79 days), from early April to early May. The reproduction parthenogenetically occurred, and females produced eggs and crawlers. The highest fecundity was163.11±3.11 offspring per female with the highest ovipositional period (4.41±0.14days) in the 4th generation in summer. The lowest fecundity (1.67±0.12offspring) was in the 11th generation in winter. The female longevity was significantly different among various generations, from 13.79±2.03 days in 11thgeneration to 26.12±0.70 days in 2nd generation. Males lived in a short time (1 to 2 days). The present study confirms that P. solenopsis has a rapid development, high fecundity with a pattern of crawlers’ production, and the ability to adapt to the unconditional warm and dry climate of Dezful. Unfortunately, due to lack of management, and a wide range of host plants, it could be a serious threat for farmlands, greenhouses, and urban areas in Khuzestan province.