Abstract

GONZALEZ LUNA, Marcela. F.  and  LA ROSSA, Francisco R.. Biological and populational parameters of Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on two cultivars of Vitis vinifera. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2016, vol.75, n.1-2, pp.45-54. ISSN 0373-5680.

The vine mealybug Planococcus ficus Signoret causes severe damage to Argentine vineyards. The aim of this study was to compare the biological and population parameters of P. ficus on Vitis vinifera cultivars Chardonnay and Malbec, as well as to evaluate the effect of temperature on these parameters and obtain the respective estimated population growth curves. At constant temperatures of 15, 25 and 37 °C, 46% RH and photoperiod of 16:8 h (Light: Darkness cycle), the number of individuals of each stage, age changes and offsprings were recorded daily. At 25 °C, the nymphal period was similar in both cultivars. Fertility on Malbec was higher than on Chardonnay. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) was lower on Chardonnay. The finite rate of increase (λ) follows the same trend. The net reproductive rate (R₀) was higher in Malbec. The generation time (T) and doubling time (D) were lower on Malbec. At 15 °C, no significant differences between cultivars were observed, only the mealybugs reared on Malbec were able to reproduce. The complete cycle was not verified at 37 °C. It was shown that the reproductive capacity of P. ficus was higher on Malbec.

Keywords : Mealybugs; Longevity; Fecundity; Intrinsic rate of natural increase; Vitisviniferacv Chardonnay and Malbec.