Effect of Seasonal Variations and Weather Factors on Population Dynamics of Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Kalakad Region, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are sap-feeding insects associated
with a wide range of agricultural and horticultural plants. This study describes
weekly variation in recorded mealybug colony abundance and its association
with temperature in the Kalakad region of Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu,
using 30 observations spanning 1 December 2023 to 2 July 2024. Recorded
counts ranged from 0 to 42 colonies (mean = 18.17; sample standard deviation
= 13.55). Counts increased from zero in the initial observations to a maximum
of 42 in late May/early June and then declined to 26 in the final observation.
Pearson correlation analysis showed positive associations with maximum
temperature (r = 0.180, p = 0.3408), minimum temperature (r = 0.388, p =
0.0340), and average temperature (r = 0.313, p = 0.0920). Only the minimum-
temperature association reached p < 0.05. A simple regression using average
temperature produced Y = −47.02 + 2.07X (R² = 0.098; p = 0.0920),
indicating limited explanatory power. The supplied analysis also reported
differences among monthly and seasonal groups, but these results require
verification against the raw data and model assumptions. Rainfall was
recorded qualitatively for selected weeks only; therefore, a numerical rainfall
relationship could not be tested. These observations provide preliminary local
evidence of temporal variation and demonstrate the need for standardized
sampling and complete meteorological records.