You will learn about the papaya (Pawpaw) mealybugs’ treatment and management methods. Mealybugs are one of the insects that attack papaya trees. It poses a big threat to Papaya trees and fruit production because it makes the fruits on the tree rot and decay. In some cases, it can cause dieback of the papaya tree and possibly kill the tree.
The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on fruits, leaves, and stems of the papaya tree. This results in the yellowing, stunting, deformed leaves, and fruit drop, it also attracts the growth of dark fungi. Heavy infestations on papaya fruit will result in a build-up of a thick layer of mealybugs and white wax, and the fruit becomes inedible and decays. Papaya mealybug infestation appears on above-ground parts on leaves, stems, and fruits as clusters of cotton-like masses.
It can infect other papaya trees in the farm or orchard and lead to fruit decay, this will
Papaya Mealybugs Treatment And Control Methods
Chemical control
This is the most effective way of controlling the papaya mealybugs infestation. Mix insecticides like G-force, sniper, or any good insecticides inside a stray can and add a good quantity of water, and mix it. After mixing spray it all over the papaya tree, on the leaves, and directly on the mealybugs on the papaya tree.
This method is very effective in controlling and killing the mealybugs. Check the tree monthly for mealybugs infestation on the papaya tree and apply the insecticides again on the tree.
Biological control
This technique can be used also to control the citrus aphid infestation and is also an effective alternative method.
Spray the papaya tree with neem oil to control the spread of the insects. Also, get neem leaves from a neem tree and soak them inside water for 2 days, extract the water after soaking. The extracted water from the neem leaves can be used as natural insecticides to control and kill the mealybugs on the tree.
