Mealybugs are soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects that are covered in a white, waxy powder, making them look like mealybugs. Mealybugs feed by inserting their long, slender mouthparts into the plant and sucking out the sap. This can damage the plant and stunt its growth. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and encourage the growth of sooty mold.
- Type of Infestation: Pest
- Common Name: Mealy Bug
- Causal Organism: Ferrisia virgata
- Affected Parts Of the plant: Leaf, Fruit and Shoot
- Adults are about 0.2 inches (5 millimeters) long, flat, and oval-shaped.
- They have a white waxy covering with waxy filaments sticking out from the circumference of their body.
- Longer filaments from the posterior end make these mealybugs appear to have "tails."
- Warm temperatures: Generally, mealybugs thrive in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). At these temperatures, their development is faster, and they reproduce more frequently.
- High humidity: Mealybugs prefer moderate to high humidity levels (50-80%). This helps them to conserve moisture and prevents them from drying out.
- White, cottony masses on the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants
- Sticky honeydew on the leaves and stems of plants
- Sooty mold growing on the honeydew
- Yellowing and curling of leaves
- Stunted growth of the plant
| Products | Technical Names | Dosages |
| Propcyp | Profenofos 40 % + Cypermethrin 4 % ec | 400-600 per Acre |
| MAL50 | Malathion 50 % EC | 250-300 ml per Acre |
