Survey and abundance of mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting cassava in Kerala

Survey and abundance of mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting cassava in Kerala

Authors

  • Jasti Sri Vishnu Murthy College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University
  • Mani Chellappan College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University
  • Ranjith M. T. College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University
  • Smitha Revi College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University
  • Harish E. R. ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Kiran A. G Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Kerala Agricultural University

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important crop in Kerala, yet it is highly susceptible to infestations by various mealybugspecies that significantly impact yield. This study aimed to survey and assess the abundance of mealybug species infestingcassava in key growing regions of Kerala. Field surveys were conducted from 2023 to 2024 across multiple locations,identifying Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero, 1977 and Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink,1992 as dominant species. This study assesses the distribution and abundance of mealybug species affecting cassava inKerala. Ph. manihoti was most abundant in Vellanikkara, Kaprassery, and Krishnapuram, while P. marginatus was dominantin Ponniam, Elanthoor, and Idukki, with particularly high infestations in Idukki (95.34%) and Kasargod (90.90%). Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller, 1996 and Ferrisia virgata Cockerell, 1893were found at lower levels, with minimal impact on cassava. Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, 1898 was detected only in Thrissur. The findings highlight Ph. manihoti and P. marginatus as the primary pests, necessitating focused pest management in affected regions. The results emphasize the need for effective monitoring and management strategies to mitigate mealybug damage and ensure sustainable cassava yields in the region.

Author Biographies

Jasti Sri Vishnu Murthy, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University

Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur-680 656 , Kerala, India      

Mani Chellappan, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University

Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur - 680 656, Kerala, India

Ranjith M. T., College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University

Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur - 680 656, Kerala, India

Smitha Revi, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University

Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara,. Thrissur - 680 656, Kerala, India

Harish E. R., ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram

Division of Crop protection, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram 695 017, Kerala, India

Kiran A. G, Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Kerala Agricultural University

Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur - 680 656,Kerala, India

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Published

05-07-2025

How to Cite

Jasti Sri Vishnu Murthy, Mani Chellappan, Ranjith M. T., Smitha Revi, Harish E. R., & Kiran A. G. (2025). Survey and abundance of mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting cassava in Kerala. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 63(I&II), 16–20. Retrieved from https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/1496
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