Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Life History Parameters of the Madeira Mealybug (Phenacoccus madeirensis) and the Molecular Composition of Its Host Plant

The goal of this study is to provide a basis for control of the greenhouse pest, P. madeirensis, and how manipulation of nitrogen content in plant fertilization regimes can impact the duration to adulthood, abundance, and fecundity in the pseudococcid species.  Additionally, this study investigated how nitrogen fertilization levels affected host plant morphology and Carbon/Nitrogen ratios, as well as plant and insect total protein and lipid concentrations.  The central themes of this presentation will focus on how nitrogen fertilization influenced the host plant-pest insect parameters in this study, and how the findings could impact Integrated Pest Management strategies for P. madeirensis.