Biology, Morphology, Feeding Behavior, Damage Potential, and Sustainable Management of Cotton Mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) in District Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

In Pakistan, the cotton mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenensis Tinsley), (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), has become a devastating pest of cotton in District Khairpur especially in Sindh. This study explores its biology, morphology, feeding habits, destruction possibilities and sustainable management practices in area agro- ecological factors. Field surveys showed that there was a high teen-age population growth especially in warm months and that the infestation was highest in flowering and boll forming seasons. Diagnostic features that were verified by morphological studies included waxy secretions, segmented antennae and sexual dimorphism. This feeding behavior was characterized by sac removal of tender shoots and bolls resulting in chlorosis, stunted growth, and premature leaf fall followed by losses in yield of more than 35% percent. Trials of sustainable management proved that integrated pest management (IPM) which involves crop sanitation, sprays of neem oil, and biological control agents coupled with selective insecticides were able to get more than 90 and 42% increases in infestation and yield respectively. These findings offer knowledge of regions to reduce the risks of adopting resilient cotton production in the Sindh region.