Pink mealybug fact sheet

The pink or hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus) which has been reported to be devastating crops and trees on Grenada (see Spore 62 p10) has now spread to other islands in the Caribbean. The pest is reported to attack more than 125 plant species, including those rarely attacked by mealybugs, and the economic consequence of this is proving to be very serious. The Pest Management Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture in Grenada has produced a fact sheet on the pink mealybug. The information includes a description of the pest, its life cycle, symptoms and the damage it causes; the method of spread is described and advice is given on cultural practices and chemicals to employ to control the pest. Biological control methods using ladybird beetles and parasitic wasps are also explained. The Pest Management Unit Ministry of Agriculture Mt Wheldale, St Georges GRENADAfact shee