Mealybug
Overview
Mealybugs are sap-feeding insects that thrive in warm sheltered protected crops.
They are especially problematic in: - ornamentals - citrus - poinsettia - vines
They often establish unnoticed deep inside dense canopy.
Identification
Typical signs: - white waxy insects - cotton-like masses - sticky honeydew - sooty mould - hidden stem colonies
Often found: - around stem junctions - beneath leaves - inside dense growth
Conditions favouring mealybug
| Condition | Risk |
|---|---|
| Warm protected crops | High |
| Dense sheltered canopy | High |
| Poor airflow | Moderate–High |
| Long-season crops | High |
Monitoring
Inspect: - stem junctions - hidden canopy - lower leaves - sheltered warm areas
Honeydew and ants can be warning signs.
IPM approach
Useful strategies: - early hotspot removal - biological continuity - canopy opening - quarantine of incoming plants - reducing hidden reservoirs
Commonly affected crops
Key message
Mealybug management becomes extremely difficult once colonies establish deep inside the crop.