EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MATING EXPOSURE TIMINGS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF PAPAYA MEALYBUG, PARACOCCUS MARGINATUS (HEMIPTERA: PSEUDOCOCCIDAE)

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a notorious,widespread and polyphagous insect pest. Recently, its infestation has been reported in the coastal areas of Pakistan, especially on papaya, Carica papaya. Considering its potential threat to fruits and vegetables all over Pakistan, the study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of various mating exposure timings i.e., 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour on its reproductive parameters. Results obtained showed that fecundity rate of P. marginatus after 24, 48 and 72 hours mating durations were 112.60 ± 3.87 eggs/female, 150.60 ± 7.92 eggs / female and 170.80 ± 12.43 eggs/ female, respectively. Oviposition and post-oviposition duration was comparatively higher at maximum mating exposure timings, whereas no effect of exposure timings was recorded on pre-oviposition duration. Females and male went through three and four nymphal instars to become adult, where female live longer than males. The information obtained in the study could provide a base to understand biology of P. marginatus to restrict their spread and damage in Pakistan.