Mealybugs are insects in the family Pseudococcidae, unarmored scale insects found in moist, warm habitats. Many species are considered pests as they feed on plant juices of greenhouse plants, house plants and subtropical trees and also act as a vector for several plant diseases.
Symptoms
The nymphs and females cause damage to host plants with their piercing-sucking mouthparts which they use to suck sap and remove nutrients. As a result, the plants often become stunted, distorted, or yellowed and show reduced vigor. They excrete honeydew which provides a medium for the growth of black, sooty mould fungi. Black sooty mould fungi are detrimental to plants because they cover leaves, thus reducing photosynthesis and inducing plant stress. Stick and fouled flowers are unmarketable, leading to losses in revenues.
Management
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme involving monitoring of pest population, cultural applications, practices, biological control and insecticide applications.
Mealybug Life Cycle
Understanding a disease’s life cycle is vital to maintaining control in your crops. Below is the caterpillar life cycle, to help you get the maximum control, the best products from our range have been incorporated.
