of Quarantine Significance in Hawaii

Seven species of root mealybug are found in Hawaii, and three of them are of quarantine significance. These root mealybugs are a serious problem for Hawaii’s export potted-plant industry because root infestations are not easily detected unless the plants are removed from their pots. Potted palms and other slow growing plants are more susceptible to infestation by root mea lybugs because they require lengthy bench time to at tain marketable size. Damage caused by root mealybugs is not specific. The most common plant symptoms are slow growth, lack of vigor, and subsequent death. Unless the infesta tion is unusually heavy, it is not evident until the plant’s pot is removed and the root ball is examined. A white, waxy substance and adult female mealybugs will be noticeable, especially between the pot and the root ball