BIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE MEALYBUG Maconellicoccus hirsutus (GREEN)(HEMIPTERA: PSEUDOCOCCIDAE) REARED ON POTATO SPROUT TUBERS UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS.

This study was suggested to determine some biological aspects of this insect pest under laboratory conditions on potato sprout tubers. Obtained results can be summarizes as follows: The first, second and third nymphal instars lasted for 8-14, 7-16 and 10-19 days, respectively according to generation. Pre-ovipostion, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were 11-21, 49-67 and 6-15 days, respectively. Oviposition periods greatly influenced with prevailing laboratory temperature and humidity. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were positively affected with temperature in the first second and third generations for each of period. Highest fecundity per female recorded in the first generation whereas lowest one took place in the third generation. The longest longevity average occurred in third generation followed by that in the second generation. .Whereas lowest one took place in the first generation. Incubation period averages were in the first, second and third generations lasted for 3-12, 10-31 and 30-45 days, respectively. Total life cycle completed in 94-164 days in first generation, 110-234 in second generation and 207-399 days in third generation