Maconellicoccus hirsutus a new pest in Grenada and Trinidad
Maconellicoccus hirsutus (pink or Hibiscus mealybug) has newly been introduced into the Caribbean. It was found in Grenada in November 1994 and is causing serious damage on ornamentals, vegetables, forest and fruit trees of economic importance. In addition, it has now been found in Trinidad in August 1995. An FAO-funded programme has been set up in Grenada to control the pest with selective insecticides and in the medium term with biological methods. A parasitoid wasp, Anagyrus hamali is being studied. The aim of this programme is also to prevent further spread of the pink mealybug in the Caribbean region and Latin America. This pest is present in Africa, Asia and Oceania and is extremely polyphagous. It is felt that M. hirsutus should be considered of quarantine importance for the Caribbean and Latin America region.
Sources
Anonymous (1995) Pink mealybug threatens Grenadas's crops.
CAB International News September 1995, p 5.
Pollard, G.V. (1995) Update on new pests introductions - Pink mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green).
FAO Circular Letter no. 3/95, FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.