Pink Hibiscus Mealybug PHMB attacks a wide range of plants. These include numerous ornamentals, weeds, forest trees, vegetables and root crops. Damages done by PHMB:-
Maconellicoccus hirstus (Green)
The Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHMB), has been found in Jamaica for the first time (June 2007). It is a serious pest of 125 plant species in tropical and sub tropical regions including Africa, Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. It was first found in the Caribbean in 1994 and has since spread to most islands in the region, as well as to Florida, California and Louisiana.
Fig1 Adult Female
Fig2. Adult Male
Fig3. Eggs are found in egg sacs
Adult mealybugs (fig. 1) are small (about 3mm long), soft bodied insects. The females are grayish-pink in colour, egg-shaped and covered in a white mealy wax. Adult males are smaller than females, reddish brown and have one pair of wings. Males have two long waxy “tails” (fig.2). The bright pink eggs (fig. 3) are carried in white waxy egg sacs at the rear end of the females.
Some facts about PHMB:-
PHMB breeds rapidly: Even without a male, one female can lay 600 eggs which hatch in 5-7 days.
The pest is spread on plants / parts, by wind, ants and animals. May be hidden in cracks/crevices and not easily seen.
Ants protect it from natural enemies.
Effective chemical control is very difficult.
In 1995, it caused over US$150 million direct damage plus export losses, property and environmental damage in Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.
Leaves Curl/Twist
Flowers Shrivel
The Colony
Stunted Growth
Pink Hibiscus Mealybug will affect:
Householders – damage gardens, fruit trees.
Farmers – crop damage, higher costs.
Hotels/other properties – unattractive, depreciate landscape.
Everyone – higher food prices, forest/environmental damage.
PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THIS PEST !!
If you suspect PHMB, contact the nearest agricultural office
DO NOT REMOVE FROM LOCATION
Cut infested shoots and burn or place in an air-tight plastic bag in bright sunlight for at least one day.
TELL FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT THE PHMB AND WHAT THEY MUST DO!!
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RED PALM MITE - INVASIVE PEST SPECIES