The influence of different temperatures on the life history of the passionvine mealybug (Planococcus minor)

Planococcus minor has a host range of >250 plants worldwide. This mealybug originated from southern Asia and probably spread to the Neotropics in recent years. P. minor is widely distributed throughout the Caribbean; however there are no official reports of crop losses from the region since its introduction. It is estimated that approximately 52% of the continental US would have a suitable climate for P. minor, where the consequences of its establishment would be severe. However, there is a lack of detailed life history data on the species. A study on its life history will be conducted on sprouted potatoes in Trinidad where this mealybug is considered a minor pest. Five temperatures (15 to 35 oC) will be used to determine developmental thresholds, survivorship, fecundity, and important life table parameters. This information will be useful for developing models of potential spread and improving prediction of this pest’s distribution in the US, along with developing rearing methods.