Survey and abundance of mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)infesting cassava in Kerala

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important crop in Kerala, yet it is highly susceptible to infestations by various mealybugspecies that significantly impact yield. This study aimed to survey and assess the abundance of mealybug species infestingcassava in key growing regions of Kerala. Field surveys were conducted from 2023 to 2024 across multiple locations,identifying Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero, 1977 and Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink,1992 as dominant species. This study assesses the distribution and abundance of mealybug species affecting cassava inKerala. Ph. manihoti was most abundant in Vellanikkara, Kaprassery, and Krishnapuram, while P. marginatus was dominantin Ponniam, Elanthoor, and Idukki, with particularly high infestations in Idukki (95.34%) and Kasargod (90.90%).Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller, 1996 and Ferrisia virgata Cockerell, 1893were found at lower levels,with minimal impact on cassava. Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, 1898 was detected only in Thrissur. The findingshighlight Ph. manihoti and P. marginatus as the primary pests, necessitating focused pest management in affected regions.The results emphasize the need for effective monitoring and management strategies to mitigate mealybug damage andensure sustainable cassava yields in the region.