- Widespread distribution. Asia, Africa, Oceania. Principally breadfruit but also avocado, banana, citrus, jackfruit, mango, soursop, taro, and many others, including ornamentals. An important pest.
- Eggs laid into a sac producing “crawlers” that spread the pest. After a day, they settle down, feed, moult, becoming adult with 3-4 mm waxy processes.
- Damage done: (i) sucking sap, (ii) leaves turn black - fungi grow on honeydew excreted by mealybugs.
- Natural enemies: ladybird beetles (Rodolia) important.
- Cultural control: prune infested stems, branches and fruits, and burn; add fertilizer, manure or compost to improve tree health; assist natural enemies: destroy ants nests (hot water), prune low branches, and weed.
- Chemical control: soap, white or horticultural oils; PDPs: neem, derris, pyrethrum, or chilli; if ants are present use synthetic pyrethroids. Priority is to remove ants to let natural enemies work.
