PREVALENCE OF COCCID MEALYBUGS (HOMOPTERA: COCCOIDEA) AND IMPACT OF IPM PRACTICES ON ITS POPULATION

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Authors: Ibna Zayed Chowdhury M. Saifur Rahman

Keywords: Plant, Coocid mealybug, IPM, Prevalence, Insecticide, Dimethoate, Bangladesh

Journal: Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Science) - 52(1) - June 2026

Page Numbers: 1-16

Published At: June 2026

DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.001

Abstract:

Coccid mealybugs are serious pests of horticultural plants in tropical and subtropical countries including Bangladesh and difficult to control. To understand their prevalence, pest status and integrated management practices, a 15-month long surveillance and management practice during 2023-24 were conducted in two gardens at Cherag Ali, Tongi, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Among them, IPM practices were conducted only in Mayer Doya Garden (MDG) and the garden at Animal Treatment Centre (ATC) was used as a control site. To determine the prevalence and seasonal dynamics of coccid insects on different host plants up to head height were assessed through visual counting during fortnightly visits. All diversity parameters indicated a higher population density with 3,878 insects under 7 species (BI=0.0018, d=1.7, H=0.85, D=0.59, 1-D=0.41, 1/D=1.7, and EH =0.44) from 42 plant species at MDG, and a total number of 6,964 insects under 5 species (BI=0.0007, d=3.36, H=1.34, D=0.2979, 1-D=0.7, 1/D=3.36, and EH =0.83) in ATC on 13 host plant species. There is low similarity of insect species (CC = 0.4) in the two study areas. In both study sites, the most suitable host plant, Mangifera indica, harbored the maximum number of coccids as well as Ferrisia virgata, was the most abundant insect round the year that peaked in summer. The data have revealed that among three treatment measures (cultural, mechanical & chemical) at MDG, chemical insecticide (Dimethoate 40%) reduced the maximum insect population i.e., 96.67%. In addition, several natural enemies of coccid and unaffected plants have also been identified. The current research will help in understanding efficient methods for managing coccid pests and incidence of this insect in the field condition.