(Continued from last week)
Mealy bugs can be devastating
There are two types of nealy bugs: they are either white or pink. These small sucking pests covered with white cottony fluff are found under the leaves and stems of a wide variety of plants. Serious attack leads to the wilting and yellowing of leaves. They are prevalent in hibiscus plants and soursop trees.
The pink mealy bug can multiply at an alarming rate so check your plants carefully as soon as you see the signs. This happened in the mid 1990s when it was discovered in the island of Grenada wiping out ornamental plants and exports, crippling the nutmeg industry for many, many years, 
and spreading rapidly throughout the Caribbean. Even Guyana was not spared, and strict plant quarantine measures had to be put in place. Major countries banned and rejected plant imports, and millions and millions of dollars were lost.
It is advisable when you purchase or collect plants abroad that you follow strict plant quarantine regulations. Declare all plants, cuttings, etc, at your port of entry.
Where local infestations are concerned, cut and burn all infested trimmings.
Ladybirds are sometimes used as a form of natural control to help deal with an infestation, but that not always be practicable for the average gardener.
Root mealy bugs are found in the roots and around the soil of plants. Cacti and succulents are particularly susceptible to this pest. The roots are often covered with a fuzzy white coating, and are much smaller than the regular ones.
There are various insecticides available locally which you can use; make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Until next week, happy gardening!
