Feeding behavior of the notorious invasive Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis to exotic weeds using EPG

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is notorious for causing severe economic losses to a wide range of crop species. It is noteworthy that this mealybug performed different host preference and fitness within their host range. In order to determine the preference of P. solenopsis between economic plants and weeds, the feeding behavior of cotton mealybug on three widespread exotic weeds belong to Asteraceae family (Bidens pilosa L., Wedelia trilobata and Ambrosia artemisiifolia.) were determined and compared with cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. using electrical penetration graph (EPG). Compared with G. hirsutum, cotton mealybug took the shortest time for trying/detecting on leaf surface and spend the longest duration times for ingestion from phloem bundle tissues feeding on A. artemisiifolia. Results showed that A. artemisiifolia was the most adaptable host for cotton mealybug, B. pilosa and W. trilobata were less suitable ones, implying these plants vulnerable to damage by this mealybug. This consequence gave more evidence for the feeding harm of P. solenopsis and might provide a scientific basis for explain if exotic weeds play an important role in the regional dispersal, and exist as transfer host for pest divert to farmland during uncultivated season.

Automated summary

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, has different preferences for economic plants and weeds. The feeding behavior of the mealybug was studied on three exotic weeds of the Asteraceae family, and compared with cotton plants. The results showed that Artemisiifolia was the most suitable host for the mealybug, while B. pilosa and W. trilobata were less suitable. This study provides more evidence for the feeding harm of P. solenopsis and the role of exotic weeds as transfer hosts during uncultivated seasons.