Solenopsis mealybug in parts of central and northern Queensland

 

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Publication Date

Tue, 30 Jun 2015, 06:07

Last Updated

June 30, 2015, 6:07 a.m.

Report Number

AUS-36/1

Country

Australia

Pest Id

Phenacoccus solenopsis - (PHENSO)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Highly polyphaus. Recorded overseas on plants from more than 50 families, including agricultural crops, amenity plants and weeds.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Present: only in some areas

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Solenopsis mealybug was first detected in Emerald in central Queensland in December 2009 and subsequently in Ayr and Bowen in northern Queensland.

Summary

Solenopsis mealybug was detected in cotton crops and ornamental plants in a number of locations in Queensland. Due to the widespread apparent distribution, eradication is not feasible. Symptoms on cotton include crinkled and twisted leaves, fewer flowers and bolls, smaller bolls and distorted/stunted plants. Although mealybugs are usually considered to be only a minor pest of cotton, occasional populations increase and hotspots of infestation occur. The industry and growers are exploring management options to limit the impact on cotton production.

Danger

Mealybugs are small, sucking insects related to aphids. They form colonies on stems and leaves, developing into dense, waxy, white masses. Adult and juvenile ‘crawlers’ weaken the plants by sucking sap from leaves, twigs, stems, roots and fruiting bodies. Long range dispersal can occur via movement of plant material, agricultural equipment and machinery and on clothing. Wind currents may distribute newly hatched nymphs and crawlers may be transported by wind and rain. Severe infestations result in plant death, honeydew and sooty mould. Heavy infestations are not effectively controlled by pesticides.

Contact for info

Chief Plant Protection Officer Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia [email protected]

Report files

Website

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_16221.htm

Issue keywords

Pest status:Present/Presence

Commodity keywords