Description:

• Papaya mealybugs are widespread during warm, dry seasons and attack papaya plants at all stages of growth.

Damage Symptoms:

• White, cotton-like waxy masses form on stems, leaves, and fruits at the sites where mealybugs congregate.
• Leaves may turn yellow or curl, and severe infestation results in leaf shedding.
• Sooty mould can be observed on leaves due to honeydew secretion by the pest.
• Severe infestation can cause fruit drop, thereby reducing the overall production of fruits.

Preventive Measures:

• Mealybugs can easily spread from one plant to another. Thus, plants should be frequently checked, and parts infested with mealybugs should be removed.
• Lady beetles, which feed on mealybugs, can be introduced into the field as a natural way to reduce pest numbers.

Control Measures:

• Apply neem oil at 5 ml per litre of water.
• Foliar sprays of Imidacloprid (0.4 ml/l) or acetamiprid (0.2 g/l) can be used.