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Mealy bug Control
| Pest Species | Control Agent |
|---|---|
| Mealybugs are a significant concern for gardeners and farmers in New Zealand, as these sap-sucking pests can wreak havoc on a wide variety of plants. Known for their distinctive white, cotton-like appearance, mealybugs feed on plant sap, leading to weakened plants, stunted growth, and even plant death if left unchecked. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, making New Zealand's climate particularly conducive to their proliferation. Not only do mealybugs directly harm plants, but they also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and contribute to the growth of sooty mold. Effective management strategies, including regular monitoring, promoting natural predators, and employing organic control methods, are essential for keeping mealybug populations at bay, ensuring healthy, vibrant gardens and crops throughout New Zealand. |
Lacewing-Force Lacewing-Force is fond of eating mealybugs amongst many other prey. It is best to ensure they have hatched in the bottle before releasing them onto mealybugs. Hyper Mite These predatory mites can predate on root mealybugs. Nemaplus These nematodes are able to kill mealybugs hiding under the soil surface or deep in the crown of the plant providing the spray solution can reach them. |
Description
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap and are commonly found on stems, leaves, roots, and buds of many ornamental and crop plants. They are easily recognized by their white, cotton-like waxy coating, which helps protect them from predators and environmental conditions. By inserting their piercing mouthparts into plant tissue, mealybugs weaken plants and cause yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. As they feed, they excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mould and attracts ants. If left unmanaged, mealybug infestations can significantly reduce plant health and visual quality.
Photo courtesy of Kansas Department of Agriculture , Bugwood.org
Ants in the House, Garden and Cultivated Areas
Ants prefer to lay their nests in dry, uncultivated soil. They are found under patios, on stone walls, in planters, and on lawns. They rumple the soil, destroying its structure and thus impairing plant growth.
Although they carry out useful activities (decomposition of plant material, dispersal of plant seeds, re-sifting of soil), they are often a nuisance near the house. Moreover, they sometimes make life difficult for gardeners. For example, they protect aphids from being eaten by their natural enemies, such as ladybug and lacewing larvae.
Signs and symptoms
Mealybug infestations can show up in several ways. These pests commonly cluster on stems, as well as leaf and flower buds, where they appear as a white, cotton-like waxy coating. Like aphids, mealybugs have piercing mouthparts that allow them to feed by extracting sap from the plant. Any excess sugars are expelled as a sticky substance known as honeydew.
Honeydew causes leaves, stems, and fruits to become sticky and often leads to the development of black sooty mould. This mould feeds on the honeydew and interferes with photosynthesis, reducing the plant’s ability to produce energy. Honeydew also attracts ants, which protect mealybugs from their natural predators, sometimes reducing the effectiveness of biological control methods.
Overall, mealybugs lower the plant’s visual appeal, and in severe infestations, they can negatively impact plant health and growth. If left untreated, wilting and further decline may soon follow.
Life history and habits
The long-tailed mealybug can be easily identified by its distinctive, elongated tail filaments at the rear of the body, which are at least as long as the body itself. The remaining waxy filaments are approximately half the width of the body. Adult females measure about 3–4 mm in length.
Reproduction in Pseudococcus longispinus can occur either sexually or asexually, with asexual reproduction appearing to be more common. Unlike many other mealybug species, this insect does not form an egg sac. Instead, the female gives birth to live young, releasing newly hatched first-instar nymphs that are initially held beneath her body within a fine web of waxy threads. Over a period of two to three weeks, a single female can produce between 100 and 200 nymphs. The life cycle is temperature dependent, taking approximately six weeks to complete during summer and up to twelve weeks in winter.
Biological control
One of the most effective biological control agents for mealybugs is Mallada basalis (Lacewing-Force), Crypotlaemus ladybirds (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), parasitic wasps, Hyper mites and Nematodes. These natural enemies feed on mealybugs at various life stages, reducing their numbers over time. Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside mealybugs, and the developing larvae eventually kill the host, providing long-term population control when conditions are suitable.
For biological control to be successful, it is important to create an environment that supports beneficial insects. This includes avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides and managing ant populations that protect mealybugs.
Chemical control
A range of insecticides are claimed to be effective against Mealybugs. If chemical control is required aim to use a product with minimal impact on ladybirds, lacewings and parasitoids to ensure natural enemies can thrive to finish the job. Plant Soap 1 - PS1 a soap derived from coconuts is also an option if spray and make direct contact with the pest, Plant Soap 1 does not have a preharvest interval or minimum residue limit. Please contact Bioforce for more information or stock.
If you are uncertain about the identity of any pest in your crop, or need advice on the management of pests contact BioForce Ltd, office@bioforce.co.nz.
-415.jpg "Nematodes (Small)-415")
nemaplus® nematodes (Steinernema feltiae)