Studies on tritrophic interactions of Maconellicoccus hirsutus on popular mulberry varieties.

摘要

The studies on tritrophic relation of mealy bug and its entomophages on different mulberry varieties revealed, that the varieties highly influenced the Maconellicoccus hirsutus infestation, population build up and also the third trophic entomophages. Variety MR 2 was less infested in all the season followed by S 36 and K 2 while infestation was more in V 1. The population of mealy bug was also found higher in V 1 followed by S 36 and K 2 in the favourable seasons. Lowest population of mealy bug was observed in MR 2. The entomophages highly preferred the pest in variety S 36 followed by MR 2 and TN local. The higher mealy bug infestation in V 1 is due to the lesser preference of entomophages. The trichomes present on the young and unopened mulberry leaves were positively correlated with mealy bug population, Tukra incidence and entomophages population. The amino acid content and total soluble sugars were positively correlated with tukra incidence, mealy bug population and entomophages population. The protein content was negatively correlated with tukra incidence and mealy bug population but was positively correlated with the entomophages population. The phenol content was negatively correlated with tukra incidence, mealy bug population and entomophages population.