Acceptability and suitability of seven plant species for the mealybug Phenacoccus parvus

Survival, development and fecundity of cohorts of the mealybug Phenacoccus parvus Morrison were measured over one generation on seven plant species representing four plant families. Survival, development and fecundity were not significantly higher on the mealybug's principal field host, the weed Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae), than on other plant species including Lycopersicon esculentum Miller (tomato) and Solanum melongena L. (eggplant). The acceptability of the leaves of the seven plant species to P. parvus first instar crawlers was measured on hatching, after active walking and after food deprivation. Lantana camara was the highest ranked plant species for all treatments. The number of crawlers settling on lower ranked plant species increased with the level of food deprivation.