Individual rearing of the Japanese mealybug, Planococcus kraunhiae (Kuwana) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on germinated broad bean seeds

Abstract

The Japanese mealybug, Planococcus kraunhiae could be reared individually on germinated broad bean seeds as an alternative food source. The developmental period from egg stage to adult oviposition was 65 days at 20°C and 46 days at 24°C. Egg hatchability was higher than 98% at both temperatures. Survival rate from egg stage to adult emergence was 76% at 20°C and 81% at 24°C. The total number of eggs per female was 588 at 20°C and 965 at 24°C. Adult longevity of females at 20°C and 24°C was 32 days and 26 days, respectively. The suitability of germinated broad bean seeds for P. kraunhiae is discussed in comparison with other alternative food sources.