Agralan Mealybug Control

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This product is only availabe: April May June July August September

BIO PRODUCT

Natural Pest Controls are dispatched once a week.
Orders must be received by Thursday 5pm for delivery the following week.
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Mealy Bug - Do not refrigerate

This sap sucking insect is protected with white waxy threads, which often make chemical control unsuccessful. The mealybugs Planococcus citri and Pseudococcus viburnii attack a wide range of house plants and ornamentals in protected environments. 

Control With  Cryptolamus

The predatory ladybird is a specialist in clearing mealybug populations at temperature over 20ºC

Use regular introductions between June and August for effective control. 

 

Control with mealybug parasitoid mix

The parasitic wasps Leptomastix dactylopii and Anagyrus pseudococci compliment the natural control of Cryptolaemus by providing a more general 'patrol' before mealybug populations build up to high levels. They require temperatures of 20ºC for several hours per day to become active. 

If using both mealybug parasitoid mix and Cryptolaemus, release the ladybirds at least two weeks after wasp introduction.

 

 

Instructions

Mealy Bugs (Cryptolaemus) – Instructions for use

Several species of mealy bug appear in greenhouses, conservatories and atriums, the most common being citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri). They tend to favour slow-growing or perennial plants. Their bodies are covered in dusty white wax filaments, making them difficult to control with chemicals. Like aphids, mealybugs weaken plants by sucking the sap and produce a sticky deposit (honeydew) on which black fungal growth develops.

The ladybird predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, can be used to control a wide range of mealy bug species. The adult is about 4mm in length with a dark brown body and orange head. The larvae are covered in mealy white projections, making them resemble their prey, but grow larger, up to 13mm in length. Cryptolaemus will also feed on aphids and scale insects when necessary.

When to treat - May to mid-September as soon as mealy bugs are detected. The beetle is not active below 18°C. Cryptolaemus is most active in sunny weather.

How to treat - Supplied as adult beetles. Release in the evening onto infested plants. Keep the vents closed. The life cycle depends strongly on temperature, taking about 32 days from egg to adult at 24°C. Apply 2-3/m² or 2-5 beetles per plant if infestations of mealy bug are high. Ants will protect mealy bug and reduce the effectiveness of the predator unless controlled.

Storage - Use as soon as possible after receipt, alternatively the unopened bottle may be stored in the dark at 10 -15°C for 1-2 days.

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Instructions

For Use