PEST MANAGEMENT DECISION GUIDE: GREEN AND YELLOW LIST

Mealybug on cocoa
Planococcoides njalensis, Planococcus citri Kokoo sumorƆ
Prevention Monitoring Direct Control Direct Control Restrictions
l It is important to try and manage populations of l Additional relevant crops: Kola, mango, l Reduce the l COCOBOD do
mealybugs as they can damage cocoa plants as avocado number of ants not recommend
well as spread cocoa swollen shoot virus disease l Mealybugs occur in colonies and cause in the field by using chemical
l Remove chupons on a regular basis as these are damage to seedling, cherelles and shoots by destroying their insecticides for
succulent and attractive for mealybugs sucking the sap from their tissues. nests controlling
l Apply a mealybugs.
l Remove or avoid planting trees which are known l Monitoring for mealy bugs should be done Their waxy
to harbour ants such as Canthium glabriflorum throughout the year but especially during potassium based
soap such as waterproof
(Nteteadupon, gyapam). August to April. Inspect trees twice a week coating makes
when there are pods and when there are new alata samina in a
Cocoa pod with mealybug l Mealybugs have a close relationship with solution with the use of
infestation (E. Hidalgo, CABI) attendant ants. The ants protect them from shoots contact
water to kill
natural enemies and can also spread the l Check the entire plant for any white powdery or mealybugs. This pesticides
mealybugs by carrying them from tree to tree. waxy material which are indicators of presence can be applied ineffective -
Ants feed on a sugary substance (honeydew) in of mealybugs using a systemics can
this simbyotic relationship in return for their l Also look out for sooty mould on the upper knapsack be used but
protection. surfaces of leaves - a black powdery fungus sprayer. create the risk of
which grows on the honeydew excreted by the leaving residues
mealybugs
Close up of adult female
l Take action when at least one plant is infested
mealybugs (E. Hidalgo, CABI)

Ghana
CREATED/UPDATED: May 2016
AUTHOR(S): Benjamin K. Badii (University for Development Studies, Ghana), Antony Cudjoe (Private Consultant), Andrews
Y. Akrofi (Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana)
EDITED BY: Plantwise

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