Planococcoides sp. nr. robustus a mango root mealybug and its control.
Puttarudriah M., Eswaramurthy
Author Affiliation: Horticultural Laboratories, Lalbaugh, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Current Research 5 : 205-207
Abstract : A species of Planococcoides near to P. robustus Ezzat & McConnell was found infesting the roots of mango in the Kolar district of Karnataka, India, in 1971-72. The mealybugs were enclosed in a parchment-like covering produced by a symbiotic fungus, but in May the surface of fruits that touched the soil was covered with mealybug in various stages in the life-history. Ants were seen to carry nymphs, which were active in the soil at this time. The mealybug was also found infesting grapevine and the weed Coniza ambigua. Adults and immature stages are described from observations in the laboratory; reproduction appeared to be ovoviviparous. Each instar lasted for about a week, and the nymphal stage lasted for 25-26 days at room temperature. Disulfoton was applied to the soil monthly for a year (as Disyston) and the plants were watered weekly, and the affected plants which had suffered desiccation and leaf-fall, showed signs of revival. In addition, the weed Coniza ambigua was destroyed and moisture conservation was improved by terracing the slopes.