Influence of weather conditions and plant growth on populations of the solenopsis mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) infesting maize plants

Abstract The cotton or solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley, 1898) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), infests various host plants in Egypt. A study was conducted to observe the incidence of mealybugs and the possible influences of meteorological variables and plant age on the insect population of maize (single-hybrid 168 yellow maize cultivar) plants in Esna district, Luxor governorate, Egypt, in two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022). P. solenopsis infested maize plants from the 3rd week of June to harvest, and had three peaks of seasonal incidence/season namely; in the 1st week of June in the 3rd/4th week of July, and the 2nd week of August. Similarly, there were three peaks in the percent of infestations per season. In the first season, the average population density of P. solenopsis per sample was 174.04 ± 16.93 individuals, and in the second season, 156.72 ± 14.28 individuals. The most favorable climate for P. solenopsis population increase and infestation occurred in August in the first season and in September in the second season, while June was less suitable in both growing seasons (as estimated by weekly surveys). The combined effects of weather conditions and plant age are significantly related to the estimates of P. solenopsis populations, with an explained variance (E.V.) of 93.18 and 93.86%, respectively, in the two seasons. In addition, their influences explained differences in infestation percentages of 93.30 and 95.54%, respectively, in the two seasons. Maize plant age was the most effective factor in determining changes in P. solenopsis population densities in each season. The mean daily minimum temperature in the first season and mean daily dew point in the second season were the most important factors affecting the percent changes in infestation. However, in both seasons, the mean daily maximum temperature was the least effective variable in population and infestation variation. This study paves the way for monitoring and early detection of mealybugs in maize; as well as the optimal climatic conditions for its development.