Effects of Paracoccus marginatus (Mealy bug) and Myzus persicae (Mite) Attack on forming of Exacum ritigalensis (Binara/Ginihiriya) Flower
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21921/jas.v3i4.6712Abstract
Floriculture, which consists of the cultivation of ornamental plants used for cut flowers, flowering and non-flowering potted plants, and of the production of seeds, bulbs and large trees, is an important part while introducing aesthetic valuable wild plants varities. Exacum ritigalensis, which can grow as flowering pot plants, are encountered from mealybug and aphids as major pests. This study was conducted to determine to evaluate mealybug and aphid attack on the damage of E. ritigalensis flower forming. Seeds of Exacum ritigalensis were taken in Pannala, Sri Lanka and potted in green house at the Department of Agriculture Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. Four pots replicates were conducted on E. ritigalensis plants that were infested with Paracoccus marginatus and four pots replicates were conducted on E. ritigalensis plants that were infested with Myzus persicae. Two pots were used as controls. Potting medium was taken 1:1:1; sand, compost and topsoil and one E. ritigalensis plants were cared in each pot. At the flowering stage, two adults of Paracoccus marginatus which were taken from infected papaya plant (Carica papaya) and two aphids which were taken from infected tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum L.) introduced to the every branch of E. ritigalensis plants separately. Data were collected from maturity stage of the flower (after blooming 3days). Data regarding E. ritigalensis flowers diameter reduction were subjected to analysis mean average value and compared with the control. Statistical analysis was performed Least Significant Difference (LSD) using SAS software (version 9.1.3). Mean average E. ritigalensis flower diameter in control pots was 5.90 cm and average mean diameters of the infected plant’s flowers were 4.05 cm. It showed significant reduction of flower formation which were attacked by mealybug. There were no significant difference of flowers which plant attacked by aphids and it was shown the reduction of number of flowers per bunch. Mealybugs and aphids severely damage to E. ritigalensis flower production. Researchers and farmers should have to use control measures to prevent mealybug and ants entering to the plantation.
Key words: Aphid, Exacum, floricultural pests, Mealybug
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