Effects of host plants on life history of potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc)

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), has led to a great loss on potato production in Texas by causing a potato disorder named as “Zebra Chip”. The development, survivorship and fecundity of B. cockerelli, feeding on four Solanaceae host plants, were studied in the laboratory at 26.7±2°C in Texas AgriLIFE Research at Weslaco. The developmental time of immature B. cockerelli on potato, tomato, eggplant, and bell pepper were averagely 19.6, 18.7, 24.1 and 26.2 d from egg to adult emergence, respectively. The developmental times of eggs and every instar of potato psyllid feeding on eggplant and bell pepper were significantly longer than those on potato or tomato. Survivorship of eggs and large nymphs (4th and 5th instars) were similar among four host plants, however, the survival rate of small nymphs (1st to 3rd instars) were much lower on bell pepper than potato, tomato or eggplant, with 48.8, 78.3, 81.8 and 71.9%, respectively. Similarly, overall survival rates (from egg to adult emergence) were 41.9, 53.2, 62.7 and 58.4% on bell pepper, potato, tomato and eggplant, respectively. No significant difference were found among four host plants in adult longevity, preoviposition and oviposition periods, fecundity, and sex ratio of adults. Based on the life table parameters of potato psyllid, the four host plants from the most favorable to the least favorable can be arranged in the order of potato > tomato > eggplant > bell pepper.