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A.M. Varela, icipe
Is this a Minor Pest?
Yes
Minor Pest Title
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus)
Minor Pest Description
The long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) attacks shoots, inflorescences, apples and nuts. Affected parts appear completely white. Trees infested during the flowering stage fail to produce fruits, whereas those infested at the nut swelling stage produce discoloured nuts, which result in a lower grade. However, cutting tests showed no difference in kernel outturn between clean and discoloured nuts. Mealybugs have been a problem for cashew growers in Tanzania.
The body of the adult female is 2 - 3.6 mm long, soft, elongate oval and somewhat flattened.
Minor Pest What to do.
- Conserve natural enemies. Mealybugs are usually controlled by a wide range of natural enemies. However, use of pesticides may kill these natural enemies leading to mealybug outbreaks.
Minor Pest Position
5
Minor Pest Firstcontent
204
Pest Type
insect
Host Plants
Cashew (Revised)
Minor Pest secondContent
519
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