Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Seasonal Prevalence of Giant Mealy Bug Drosicha Mangiferae (homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in the College of Home Economics, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sharmin Akter
Entomology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Biplab Kumar Mandal
Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The seasonal prevalence of giant mango mealy bug, Drosicha mangiferae and their host preference was observed fortnightly at the College of Home Economics in Dhaka City from January 2015 to January 2016. Tree and bird species were also noted during the study period. 24 rows of 190 trees belonging to 23 species were identified and observed for counting mealybug population. Out of 18,312 recorded Mealy bugs, 73% were found on the host plants and the rest 27% were in the corridor site. Mealybugs were most abundant during January to March that gradually decreased during April to July. Among 23 species of plants, 11 species were susceptible to mealybug damage whereas the mealybugs have never been seen to damage or climb the rest 12 species of plants. No Mealy bug was found during August to December. Mealybugs were found at a temperature ranging 19 °C to 30 °C, rainfall 1 mm to 359mm, relative humidity 66-84% and average day length 651.5 minute to 813 minute. Mealybugs were negatively and weakly correlated with temperature (r = -0.446), rainfall (r = -0.454), relative humidity (r = -0.032) and day length (r= -0.379). A total of 23 bird species was recorded, belonging to 8 Orders and 16 Families where prevalence of insectivorous bird; which could play role in mealybug population control, is comparatively low. Establishing an ecological balance between mealybugs and its natural predators is recommended for preventing the outbreak of mealybug.

Keywords: Drosicha mangiferae; Seasonal prevalence; Correlation; Tree; Susceptible

Location: College of Home Economics in Dhaka City

Start Date: 00-01-2015

End Date: 00-01-2016

Program Area: Pest Management

Commodity: Insects

Objectives:

A complete, year round Research on Mealybug population at the College of Home Economics was necessary to know many things about them and, this is why, we started our project there.

Methodology:

Study area The study was conducted at Home Economics College of Dhaka University fortnightly for a period of 13 months belonging three seasons viz. pre-monsoon (summer), postmonsoon (winter) and monsoon (rainy season) from January 2015 to January 2016. This College is located at Azimpur road, Azimpur, Dhaka having 10.3 acres of land area. It is located from 23.7298°N latitude to 90.3854°E Longitude and 4 meters elevation above the sea level. Methods The survey was conducted through the whole campus area. The plot of 10.3 acres consisted of 24 rows of 190 trees. In each line, all trees were checked at a height of 2 meters above the ground. The number of mealybug species was recorded in the data sheet with their host plant. Beside this, birds were observed and recorded at regular intervals using the line transact method [2]. Common environmental factors of the reproductive requirements of the mealybug species such as maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity (morning and evening), sunshine hours and rainfall were acquired from the Meteorological Services Agency. Insect counting method The counting method was initially conducted through the observation of all trees, corridors and the whole campus. Mealy bugs were started to count down in all affected trees and in the corridors. In Home Economics College, 24 rows of trees were selected and observed. Mealy bugs were checked at an average height of 2 meters above the ground of the trees including leaves, trunk and rootstock. Total number of Mealy bugs observed in a day within campus was noted. Then their population in affected trees was recorded. Some snap shots of the insects and their affected trees were taken. Bird watching method A list of birds of the study area was made using line transact method. The whole study area was divided into five transects. The birds were identified with the help of different essential books and sometimes from captured photo.A routine bird watching at the college campus was carried throughout the study period that was started from 0600h in summer and 0700h in winter. Data analysis Data were classified on an Excel spreadsheet to determine the graphics and statistical analysis. The fortnightly collected data were subjected to ANOVA test.

Source of Information: Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2017; 5(5): 192-199

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Mealybugs are highly polyphagous and inflict direct damage to fruit plants by sucking their sap. They become very serious pests on various crops due to elimination of natural bio control agents or due to the pest developing resistance to insecticides or due to indiscriminate and frequent application. An ecological balance between prey and predators must be maintained for preventing outbreak of any mealybug population. If not, such things can emerge again. So the present study will be a basis for the development of future mealybug management. This study gives an insight when to expect possible pest outbreaks and the best time to apply control measures.

Knowledge Management: Journal