Screening of mulberry germplasm for reaction to sucking pests

The experiment was conducted in the five years old mulberry germplasms maintained at Sericulture Department. The study was conducted in all three seasons of the year 2010-2011 viz., pre monsoon (March-June), monsoon (July-Oct) and post–monsoon (November– February). The two sucking pests were selected for the study namely Pink mealy bug, Meconellicoccus hirsutus Green and Thrips, Pseudodendro thrips mori (NIWA). Score Index was followed to categorize the genotypes for various level of pest infestation. During pre-monsoon season (March – June), infestation of sucking pest, Pink mealy bug, M. hirsutus registered high incidence and occurred on 76 genotypes which were designated moderately susceptible (20.0 – 50.0 %) as compared to Thrips, During monsoon season (July – October), Pink mealy bug, M. hirsutus showed maximum incidence, 29 genotypes exhibited various levels of damage. However, 82 genotypes showed immunity to thrips. During post–monsoon season (November – February), maximum infestation on 28 genotypes was registered for Pink mealy bug, M. hirsutus. Whereas, minimum was for thrips, whereas 88 genotypes were pest free and exhibited immunity. In all three seasons Pink mealy bug, Meconellicoccus hirsutus Green infestation was maximum compared to thrips, Pseudodendrothrips mori (NIWA).