<div>Background: The life cycle of the parasitoid Acerophagus papayae Noyes and Schauff is being documented in this work, which is essential for its successful application in integrated pest management initiatives.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Granara de Willink Williams, which were taken from different host plants, were used to assess the life cycle. The development of the parasitoid differed based on the mealybug&rsquo;s host plant, according to the results. 
 
Result: The physiology and behavior of P. marginatus were altered by the host, which had an indirect effect on A. papayae performance. According to an investigation of age-specific life tables, the parasitoid&rsquo;s net reproductive rate (NRR) was lowest on tapioca (282.53), greatest on papaya (559.48 females/female) and lowest on cotton (498.28). These reproductive rates mirrored those of the mealybug across host plants. Development time was shorter and progeny output was higher on papaya and cotton, while the reverse was true for tapioca and hibiscus. The capacity for increase (rc) was highest in papaya (0.512) and lowest in tapioca (0.324). Similarly, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) followed the same trend, with a maximum of 0.570/day in papaya and a minimum of 0.342/day in tapioca. These findings highlight how host plants influence the parasitoid&rsquo;s biology and offer valuable insights for enhancing mealybug control strategies.</div>

Co-evolutionary Dynamics and Life Table Analysis of Acerophagus papayae in Response to Papaya Mealybug Paracoccus marginatus

Background: This study was undertaken to understand how host plant variations influence the life cycle and adaptability of Paracoccus marginatus. It aims to reveal how such host-dependent differences drive divergent natural selection and pest evolution. 
 
Methods: Paracoccus marginatus life cycle on different host plants was investigated utilizing both stage-specific (vertical) and age-specific (horizontal) life tables. These studies revealed significant biological variation in PMB performance across different hosts. 
 
Result: Among the tested host plants viz. papaya, cotton, tapioca mulberry, brinjal and hibiscus, papaya supported the highest net reproductive rate, reaching 559.48 females per female, whereas the lowest was recorded in tapioca at 282.53. The capacity for population growth (rc) also varied, being highest in papaya (0.512) and lowest in tapioca (0.324). Correspondingly, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), which reflects the potential for population expansion per day, peaked in papaya at 0.570 and dropped to 0.342 in tapioca. Analysis of cumulative K values, representing total generation mortality, showed lower values in females than in males across all hosts. In papaya, the K value was the lowest for both sexes 0.0325 in females and 0.0587 in males indicating lower mortality. Conversely, tapioca showed the highest K values, with 0.1405 in females and 0.1799 in males. These results demonstrate how host plants have a major impact on papaya mealybug population dynamics and survival rates.

Host-dependent Life Cycle Variations in Papaya Mealybug Paracoccus marginatus and Their Implications for Divergent Natural Selection

India stands as a global agricultural powerhouse, employing over 60% of its population in farming and related sectors. Agriculture forms a significant pillar of the nation&rsquo;s GDP, with vegetables being a cornerstone of its horticultural output. Despite advancements in vegetable production, the sector faces myriad challenges, including insect infestations, diseases and other biotic and abiotic factors that compromise yield and quality. This review article delves into the biological control of pests in key tropical vegetable crops like brinjal, tomato, chili, okra and cucurbits. It explores the use of biological control agents such as predators, parasitoids and pathogens as part of integrated pest management strategies aimed at reducing the dependency on synthetic pesticides. It provides an in-depth analysis of common pests such as whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs and thrips, as well as crop-specific pests like brinjal and bhendi shoot and fruit borers. The paper underscores the advantages of biological control, including its environmental sustainability and reduced risk of pest resistance, while also acknowledging its limitations such as slower pest elimination rates and higher costs. It calls for concerted efforts from governmental bodies, NGOs and agricultural institutes to promote awareness and training in biological control methods. The focus of the review is to advocate for a paradigm shift towards sustainable and effective pest management practices in India&rsquo;s vegetable farming sector.

Co-evolutionary Dynamics and Life Table Analysis of Acerophagus papayae in Response to Papaya Mealybug Paracoccus marginatus

Host-dependent Life Cycle Variations in Papaya Mealybug Paracoccus marginatus and Their Implications for Divergent Natural Selection

Biological Control of Pests in Major Tropical Vegetable Crops: A Review