Nature of Damage

  • Nymphs and adults of the mealybug remain present in colonies on the lower surface of the leaves, inflorescence, branches, fruits and near the fruit stalk (Fig. 1 & 2). 
  • Nymphs and adults suck the cell sap from the leaves and fruits, weaken the fruit bearing branches (Fig. 3). 
  • During feeding, bugs secrete honeydew on which sooty mould develop producing characteristic black colouring on the affected parts of the tree (Fig. 4 & 5). 
  • Further, ants get attracted to this sweet honeydew and help in carrying crawlers of mealybugs on other unaffected plant parts. (Fig. 6