Mealybug Control:

Mealybugs are related to aphids and feed by sucking plant sap, causing direct feeding damage by production of honeydew and associated sooty moulds. Several species are found, all have the appearance of being covered in a white waxy layer. They are serious pests in botanic gardens, interior landscapes and in commercial ornamental and edible crops.
Lacewing larvae also feed on mealybug nymphs. Hypoaspis may feed on root mealybug.
A pheromone is available to attract the winged adult male Citrus Mealybug.
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Fightameal A (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri)

Cryptolaemus adult ladybird.
(Photo Holt Studios).

Cryptolaemus larva.
(Photo Holt Studios).

TYPE: Small (4-5mm) Australian ladybird. The larvae looks like a large segmented mealybug and may be seen walking over plants.
HOW IT WORKS: Adults lay eggs into mealybug egg masses, larvae develop and are predatory on all stages of the mealybug.
SPECIES CONTROLLED: The larvae feed on all species but adults need egg producing species for egg laying.
WHEN TO USE: Apply at first signs of infestation. Consult Fargro.
RATE OF USE: 2-3 ladybirds per m² on infested plants, repeat at 2 week intervals until predators are established.

Fargro Code:	Pack Size:
FGAME	25 adults.
FGAMH	25 larvae.
FGMEA	10 adults.

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Parasites for Mealybug (Leptomastix dactylopi, Leptomastix epona, Anagyrus pseudococci)

Leptomastix adult on mealybug colony.
(Photo Holt Studios).

TYPE: Small parasitic wasps.
HOW IT WORKS: Adults lay their eggs inside the mealybug nymphs which continue to develop for a few days before becoming brown and mumified. The parasite emerges through a circular hole in the top.
SPECIES CONTROLLED:
Leptomastix dactylopi controls Planococcus citri (Citrus Mealybug).
Leptomastix epona controls Pseudococcus viburni (syn P. affinis) (Glasshouse Mealybug).
Anagyrus pseudococci controls Citrus Mealybug and also will develop in the Glasshouse Mealybug. Anagyrus prefers larger mealybug.
There are no parasites available in the UK for some species such as the long-tailed mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus.
WHEN TO USE: Requires temperatures of 18-30^oC for development.
RATE OF USE: 2 wasps per m² infested area.

Fargro Code:	Pack Size:
FGMEF	Leptomastix dactylopii, 50.
FGMER	Leptomastix epona, 25.
FGMEQ	Anagyrus pseudococci, 50.
FGMEG	Mixture of species, 50.

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