Root Mealybug

Hidden soil-dwelling mealybugs feeding on roots and crowns of ornamentals and container crops.

Root mealybugs are sap-feeding insects that colonise roots, root collars and growing media. They can cause stunting, yellowing, wilting and reduced plant vigour. Their concealed feeding habits make infestations difficult to detect until plants begin showing symptoms. Reliable biological control options for established root mealybug infestations are limited. Predators and parasitoids used successfully against above-ground mealybugs should not automatically be assumed effective against root-dwelling species. Some soil-dwelling biological agents have been investigated, but their effectiveness depends on the pest species and growing conditions. Management should prioritise inspection of incoming plants, examination of root systems, isolation of infested stock, hygiene and preventing movement of contaminated growing media. Heavily infested plants may need to be removed to prevent further spread.