Paracoccus marginatus, IPM, Seychelles

May 2013. A new mealybug species suspected to be (Paracoccus marginatus) has been found in Seychelles and the country is exploring the possibility of of an Integrated Pest management (IPM) programme to effectively control the pest. Assistant is requested.

There were two quite different responses:

• Apply either neem extract oil according manufacturer dose, or Spinosad (from a bacterium) at 2 cc/l; these are followed by an organic product: liquefy 2 large red or yellow onions + 2 garlic cloves + 10 chilli peppers; add to 4 l water and boil for 5 mins, cool and filter. Use 10 cc/l spray every week. After the first spray about 60% will be dead, and after 3 sprays the plant will be clean.
• There is a lot of information on Ecoport and the link is: http://ecoport.org/ep?Arthropod=127373&entityType=AR****&entityDisplayCategory=AR****2500. The article provides some good examples on biological control and IPM strategies from other parts of the world.

There is also much info on the PestNet website that can be viewed at: Pests/PestsEntities/Insects/ScalesMealybugs.