Pests > Pests Entities > Insects > Aphids, Psyllids, Scales & Mealybugs, Whiteflies > Nipaecoccus nipae, Fiji



Pests > Pests Entities > Insects > Aphids, Psyllids, Scales & Mealybugs, Whiteflies > Nipaecoccus nipae, Fiji

Pests Pests Entities Insects Aphids, Psyllids, Scales & Mealybugs, Whiteflies Nipaecoccus nipae, Fiji

Nipaecoccus nipae, Fiji

January 2006. A mealybug in the photo is causing significant problems to bananas (lady finger), papaya, guava, soursop, and several ornamentals (red ginger, croton, Dieffenbachia, etc.) in central Suva, Fiji. The infestation causes large amounts of sooty mould. Damage to soursop has led to tree death, and the bananas show poor fruit set.

It was thought to be Nipaecoccus nipae. In the Federated States of Micronesia it has many hosts, too, and some people use a oil plus soap spray. It is fairly polyphagous, and can be quite damaging and likes fruit trees and palms. It is likely to be a new introduction to Fiji.