ECO FRIENDLY MANAGEMENT OF HARMFUL COLONIZATION OF STRIPED MEALYBUG (FERRISIA VIRGATA) OVER PLANTS BY USING HERBAL PESTICIDE

Abstract

: The infestation of striped mealybug ( Ferrisia virgata ) is common in orchards causing large scale harms to fruit quality as well as quantity. A water-based insecticide was not proved effective to control the mealybugs due to the presence of waxy outer coating. 30 percent ethyl alcohol was added in order to make the herbal preparations effective. Clerodendron sp., Cymbopogon citratus , Pongamia pinnata and Azadirachta indica extracts were tested for management of Ferrisia virgata . A 25% concentration of Cymbopogon leaf extract was found as a most effective eco-friendly management tool and safe herbal pesticide having no harmful effect over the experimental plants as well as on other plants.