Life history and host range of helopeltis bakeri Poppius (HEMIPTERA: MIRIDAE), a major pest of theobroma cacao L. In Luzon, Philippines

Issue Date

10-2017

Abstract

Four species of Helopeltis Signoret have been reported in the Philippines, among which. Bakeri Poppius has been identified as a major pest of Theobroma cacao L. in Luzon. This particular mirid species prefers to feed and ovipositon cacao pods, causing characteristic feeding lesions through which pathogens such as Phytophthora spp. Can easily enter. In this study, we describe the life history and host range of H. bakeri. The biology of mirid bugs reared on shoots of Ipomoea batatas 9L.) Lam. Was observed and documented from egg to maturity. Preferred and alternate host plants were identified through field observations and laboratory feeding tests. The egg stage takes 7.49 ± 0.43 days, after which five nymphal instars last for 3.11 ± 0.53, 1.51 ± 0.37, 2.07 ± 0.11, 4.40 ± 0.32, and 4.45 ± 0.17 days, respectively. Adults live for up to 45 days, and longevity was found not to be significantly different between males and females. Polyscias scutellaria (Burm.f.) Fosberg and I. batatas have been confirmed as preferred hosts, with H. bakeri feeding primarily on these plants’ leaves and ovipositing on the petioles. No-choice tests revealed five other alternate host plants, whose association with H. bakeri in the Philippines has not yet been reported. These findings on the life history and host plant associations of H. bakeri provide very important insights that can be considered in managing populations of this pest in cacao-growing areas in the country.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

31

Issue

2

Page

171-172

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

THEOBROMA CACAO; MIRIDAE; HELOPELTIS; PEST OF PLANTS; PESTS; INSECTA; PEST INSECTS; LIFE CYCLE; HOST PREFERENCES; PHILIPPINES

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