Mealybug (Planococcus spp. Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) as a pest on plantation crops and its control techniques: A review

Abstract

Plantation crops such as coffee and cacao are significant commodities that contribute to Indonesia’s national income through exports to other countries. However, pest infestations in the field reduce coffee and cacao production with the mealybug or Planococcus spp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) being one of the pests that cause losses in both crops. The objective of this research was to carry out a desk review of the importance of controlling Planococcus spp. in plantation crops, especially coffee and cacao. These insects infest the stems, undersides of leaves, and fruit. The population of Planococcus spp. can increase rapidly in a short period. The destructive stages of this insect are the nymph and adult suck plant sap hence inhibiting the development of the infested plant. P. citri and P. minor are species commonly found in plantation crops. Male insects have a life cycle of up to 27 days, while females have up to 115 days. Planococcus spp. produces a small amount of honeydew which attracts ants. Losses caused by this pest in plantation crops can reach 80-100% at the nursery. Damages can be higher if the pests are associated with ants such as Anoplolepis longipes because it will help spread the mealybug. In addition, the honeydew, excretion of mealybugs causes sooty mold and interferes with the photosynthesis process of plants. Cultural management can reduce the presence of these pests in the field. The strategies to control the pest in coffee and cacao plantations include; maintaining natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids, biological control such as entomopathogenic fungi and liquified smoke sprays, pheromones and botanical pesticides from plants containing repellents.