Root Mealybugs
Scientific group or name: Rhizoecidae and related groups
Overview
Root mealybugs are sap-feeding insects that live around roots and within growing media.
Host plants
Container plants, succulents, ornamentals and some edible crops.
Identification
They appear as small white, wax-covered insects or cottony deposits around roots, drainage holes and pot edges.
Damage and symptoms
Feeding causes reduced vigour, yellowing, poor rooting and unexplained wilt. Infestations can be concealed until repotting.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Warm container production and repeated reuse of infested pots or media can support spread.
Monitoring
Check roots of weak plants and inspect drainage holes, benches and pot contact points.
Management
Isolate affected stock, dispose of severely infested plants and media, clean containers and avoid spreading contaminated water or debris.
Biological control and natural enemies
Root-zone predators may attack exposed stages, but wax and concealed feeding make established infestations difficult to suppress.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.