Abstract:
Objective Phenacoccus solani is a kind of important pests on succulent plants. It is necessary to investigate the occurrence and screen botanical insecticides for the control of this mealybug.
Method In this study, the population dynamics of P. solani in different months and relative abundance on different hosts were investigated in the succulent plant garden of Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. And the laboratory lethal effects of 1% Celangulin AS, 2.5% rotenone EC, 0.5% matrine AS, 0.3% azadirachtin EC and 1.5% pyrethrins EW to P. solani were assessed, then the ideal botanical insecticides and their suitable field application concentrations were determined.
Result The population of P. solani on succulent plants increased dramatically in May, peaked from July to September, and remained at high levels throughout October and November, while staying at low levels during the rest of the year. The relative abundance of this mealybug on Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’, Sedum morganianum and Opuntia dillenii was 18.53%-40.05%, significantly higher than that on Sansevieria trifasciata and Aloe vera. Among the five botanical pesticides applied at recommended doses, the laboratory lethal efficacy of 0.5% matrine AS and 0.3% azadirachtin EC against P. solani was high, reaching 94.44% and 90.00% three days after application, respectively. The field control efficacy of 600-800 times diluted solution of 0.5% matrine AS and 400-500 times diluted solution 0.3% azadirachtin EC against P. solani was excellent, exceeding 75% seven days after application and exhibiting good cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion P. solani occured on succulent plants throughout the year, with the high occurrence stages from April to November and the peak periods from July to September. The dominant host plants of this mealybug are E. ‘Perle von Nürnberg’, S. morganianum and O. dillenii. 0.5% Matrine AS and 0.3% azadirachtin EC were the ideal botanical insecticides against P. solani, the suitable field application concentrations of these two insecticides were 600-800 times and 400-500 times diluted solution, respectively.