Grey sugarcane mealybug

Taxonomic position: the grey sugarcane mealybug (Dysmicoccus boninsis) is a member of the order Hemiptera and the family Pseudococcidae. It is a highly specialized sap-sucking pest primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.

Host plants: the primary host plant for this species is sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). Beyond sugarcane, it has been observed on various other grasses. While it is rarely a problem on other crops, its impact on sugarcane plantations can be economically devastating if left unmanaged.

Biology and life cycle: the adult females are oval-shaped and coated with a powdery white wax. The life cycle consists of the egg, several nymphal stages, and the adult stage. Reproduction is highly efficient in warm climates, where the pest can complete multiple generations throughout the year, with females laying their eggs in protected, waxy ovisacs located within leaf sheaths.

Nature of damage and harmfulness: mealybugs congregate in protected areas of the plant, such as leaf axils and beneath the sheath scales, extracting phloem sap. This feeding process drains the plant of vital nutrients, leading to stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and reduced yields. The excretion of honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mold, which further interferes with the plant’s photosynthesis.

Control measures: management strategies should focus on integrated pest management (IPM):

• Planting of clean, pest-free seed cane cuttings.
• Removal and destruction of crop residues post-harvest.
• Application of systemic insecticides that can penetrate the leaf sheaths.
• Preservation and introduction of natural predators such as lady beetles (Coccinellidae) and parasitic wasps.