The influence of ecological factors (such as temperature and hygrometry) on the development of cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero, Homoptera: Pseudococcidae).

摘要

Cassava mealybug, P. manihoti, was accidentally carried away from South America to Africa by early 70s. Since then, it has been inducing a lot of damage to cassava cultures, which remain the main foodstuff in the southern Sahara inhabitant's nutrition. We studied the temperature and hygrometry as main ecological factors helpful to its development. The temperature favoured eggs hatching and reduced the duration of embryonic, larval and cycle development whereas hygrometry's action on mealybug development could be neglected. As both factors have opposite functions in nature, mutual influence on the field can be possible.