Influence of mode of reproduction on fecundity of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead)

Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), the lebbeck mealybug, is a highly invasive and economically important pest of horticultural and ornamental plants in regions where it establishes. To date, N. viridis has been reported causing damage in commercial citrus groves in central and southern Florida. As a recent invader, there is a lack of information on its biology, ecology, and management in Florida. Nipaecoccus viridis can reproduce both sexually and asexually. In laboratory colonies, egg production in ovisacs varies widely (< 100 to > 400 eggs). We hypothesized that the mode of reproduction influences the fecundity of N. viridis. To test our hypothesis, we conducted assays of mated and unmated female N. viridis, and the number of eggs produced by females in both treatments were counted under a stereomicroscope. We found that fecundity was greater in mated female N. viridis compared to unmated female N. viridis (F = 58.84, df = 1, 158, p < 0.001). This study indicates that mode of reproduction influences egg production of N. viridis. Based on our findings, we believe mating disruption could be used to slow the population growth of this pest.