INCIDENCE AND DAMAGE SEVERITY OF PINK HIBISCUS MEALYBUG, MACONELLICOCCUS HIRSUTUS INFESTING ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

ABSTRACT: Pink hibiscus mealybugs infest all plant parts; feeder roots, root crowns, stems, twigs, leaves, and flowers of ornamental plants. Ornamental plants enhance the beauty of homes, gardens, and commercial landscapes but this tiny pest can silently damage them. The study was conducted at Patuakhali Science and Technology University campus to assess the incidence of pink hibiscus mealybugs, Maconellicoccus hirsutus and their damage symptoms on different ornamental plant species grown in landscape and pots during period from February to September 2021. Results revealed that the highest incidence of mealybugs per plant in common coleus and china rose was recorded in the month of April and the lowest was in September. Among three hosts, the highest incidence was found on jatropha followed by Ixora and Mussaenda. In jatropha, the highest number of mealybugs per branch was observed in the month of April whereas the lowest number was in the month of September. In Ixora, the maximum number of mealybugs was recorded in the month of April and whereas the lowest number was in the month of September. Among ornamental plants, the highest percent leaf area covered by Mealybugs was found on garden croton (65%) and the lowest percent was on red China rose (10%). The maximum twig area covered by Mealybugs was recorded on yellow China rose (45%) while the minimum twig area covered was observed on croton (21%). The highest percent flower area covered by Mealybugs was found on Mussaenda (40%) and the lowest percent flower area covered was recorded on Ixora (12%). Findings on the incidence and damage severity by mealybugs on ornamental plants illustrated the serious threats to landscape and beautification of different institutions. 

Keywords: Pink mealybugs, incidence, damage severity, ornamental plants, homes garden, landscape, pots