Dear All,
We have recently identified a strange thing in our sugarcane field.
on the back side of the leaf a white color thing is found. Only very few leaves here and there have it.
Can some one say what it is, is it harmful, will it spread, and the remedy for it.
Thanks in advance
Venu Kulkarni
Mealy bug , kind of sucking pest …This is an unique pest among mealy bugs called cottony mealy bug with cotton like white protective mass around the insect body …This pest originated in karnataka in the year 2004 and spread to neighbouring states like Tamilnadu and Andhra and southern maharashtra…
Extreme drought and humidity in microclimate around sugarcane invite sucking pest like this
Remedy
Detrashing
But sucking pest generally being washed out in rain naturally
Pesticide spray is difficult in sugarcane
If you do not take immediate action this pest will spread along the wind …The white cottony mass help the insect pest to float in the air and easy spread to other plants or distant places …
In advanced condition the leaves will turn into black due to honey due secretion that in turn invite sooty mould fungi develop over the leaves …
Avoid excess nitrogen application that makes plants leaves succulent and conducive for sucking pest like this …
Dear Ramu Sir,
Thanks for your immediate response.
Wish you and your family a Happy Diwali…
Regards
Venu Kulkarni
According to ZBNF you may spray Neemastram.
Spray this Neemastra as it is on the plants for sucking pests & Mealy Bug.
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Pushparaj
Hi Pushpraj,
Thanks for the suggestion.
Venu Kulkarni
