Biology, bionomics and control of Proutista moesta Westwood (Hemiptera : Derbidae): a vector of yellow leaf disease of areca palms
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Date
2007-02-08
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Abstract
The plant hopper, Proutista moesta Westwood (Homoptera : Derbidae) is a vector of Yellow Leaf Disease(YLD) of areca palms and a putative vector of spear rot disease of coconut. P. moesta breeds on decaying materials. Life-history was completed within a period of 30 to 70 days. Maximum longevity obtained was 62 days. A single female laid on an average 44 ± 4 eggs. The average sex ratio was 1:0.59. Plant hoppers concentrate on the fully mature yellow coloured outer leaves of areca palms. Survey revealed that no YLD garden was independent of P. moesta. Highest population was recorded during June and the lowest during November. Seasonal abundance of P. moesta was governed by both biotic and abiotic factors. Spraying with monocrotophos was found to be effective for the management of the vector. Under field conditions, a Hymenopteran parasitoid, Paraphylax sp. was found suppressing the plant hopper population especially during the months of December to February.
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biology, bionomics, control, proutista moesta, insect vector, yellow leaf disease, arecanut pest
Citation
Developments in Plantation Crops Research, 1998, p.264-272