EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITIY ON THE BIOLOGY OF COTTON MEALY BUG (PHENACOCCUS SOLENOPSIS TINSLEY)

A study on biology of cotton mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) was conducted in the laboratory of Entomological Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2007-2008. Adult females were released in petri-dishes (9 cm dia) containing fresh leaves of cotton crop. Egg laying duration was checked after 8 hour intervals to record the hatching time. Biology of pest was studied at seven different temperatures and relative humidities viz. 20 o