A master’s thesis in the Department of Plant Protection at the College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, focused on the identification and morphological and molecular characterization of the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The study was conducted on ornamental plants in several nurseries in Karbala Province and explored methods to control the pest through biological and non-biological approaches.
The thesis, presented by student Ahmed Hassan Khudair Abu Sakhr, consisted of five chapters. It offered a comprehensive study of the pest and its associated parasites, alongside a review of some integrated methods for its control.
The study aimed to:
Conduct a thorough survey of the cotton mealybug on ornamental plants in gardens and nurseries across Karbala Province.
Identify the primary host plants preferred by the pest and evaluate its feeding preferences.
Determine plants that exhibit natural resistance to the pest.
Diagnose the parasitic insects associated with the cotton mealybug.
Employ integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to control the cotton mealybug.
The research emphasized the importance of field surveys and precise diagnosis of the cotton mealybug and its associated parasites. It highlighted the potential for developing effective control strategies through the integration of biological and non-biological methods.
This thesis represents a significant step toward achieving ecological balance and reducing the economic damage caused by this pest to ornamental plants, thereby enhancing agricultural sustainability in the region.
