Biology of yam mealybug, Planococcus pacificus Cox (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Abstract

The mealybug, Planococcus pacificus Cox, is one of the most important insect pests attacking stored yam in the Philippines. This paper reports the results of our study on the life history of the insect on greater yam (Dioscorea alata var Kinampay). The insect underwent four development stages for the male and three for the female. The total developmental period (egg to adult) lasted 28-30 (28.79) days for the male and 28-30 (33.70) days for the female. The female laid 7-132 eggs/mass for its entire life span. A male to female ratio of 1:4.43 was recorded. Adult male lived shorter (1-4 days) than the female (4-11) days.