Effect of different Vegetable Crops on the Population Density of the Cotton Mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Mansoura Region

The experiments were carried out at private farm belonging to Mansoura region. Four host plants from different vegetable families were chosen as eggplant (Solanaceae), squash (Cucurbitaceae), okra (Molvaceae) and cowpea.  (Leguminosae). The population density of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)recorded the highest peaks of abundance on okra plants during the two successive seasons 2018 and 2019 and presented by 341 and 397individuals in the third week of October 2018 and in the second week of October 2019, respectively. Moreover, on squash plants the highest peaks were recorded in the third week of October 2018 and in the second week of October 2019 and represented by 209 and 263, individuals respectively. Meanwhile, on eggplant, the highest peaks were recorded in the second week of October 2018 and in the third week of October 2019 and represented by 134 and 207 individuals, respectively. While, the population of the insect pest showed the highest peaks on cowpea plants in the fourth week of October in the two seasons and represented by 119 and 142 individuals, respectively. The highest average numbers of the insect pest on different vegetable crops were recorded in October for all tested host plants during the two successive seasons 2018 and 2019. Okra as vegetable host plant recorded the highest average number followed by squash, eggplant and cowpea with significantly differences during the two seasons. Also, okra attracted the highest total numbers of the insect during the two seasons.