• Vine mealybug

  General The vine mealybug Planococcus ficus belongs to the family Pseudococcidae, and is also known by the names Mediterranean vine mealybug and Grapevine mealybug. As the name indicates, this mealybug is mostly found on grapevines, but also on figs and pomegranates. Damage symptoms Mealybugs inflict damage on the crop in various ways: Nymphs and females extract the sap from the plant, stunting growth and causing deformation and / or yellowing of

• California red scale

  General information Red scale or California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii) belongs to the Diaspididae family and is a pest found worldwide, mainly in citrus, but also in fig, cotton, mango, banana, avocado, grape, and rose. Damage symptoms Aonidiella aurantii has been the most significant pest facing many citrus-producing countries across the world. The populations can grow quickly and cause considerable damage, because the saliva that they inject

• Macadamia nut borer

  General The macadamia nut borer ( Thaumatotibia batrachopa ) is native to Africa and was originally described from the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Macadamia is the major host of this moth, it has not been linked to any other crop or indigenous host in South Africa. It is a quarantine pest and control procedures have to be carried out to enable export. Damage and symptoms Damage before shell hardening is caused by the larvae which bore

• Litchi moth

  General Litchi moth ( Cryptophlebia peltastica ) is native to Southern Africa and also occurs on the Indian Ocean islands of Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles. Litchi moth is polyphagous and of economic importance on litchi, and macadamia nuts to a limited extent. Damage and symptoms The newly hatched larva penetrates the litchi fruit and feeds its way through the fruit flesh and into the seed. Such feeding causes fungal growth and

• False codling moth

  General False codling moth ( Thaumatotibia leucotreta ) is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is found in all citrus production areas in Southern Africa. It also occurs on some of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean islands, such as Mauritius and Cape Verde. False codling moth was previously known as Cryptophlebia leucotreta . The reason for this pest’s high pest status is its quarantine status and is not due to the economic losses. Damage and symptoms

• Citrus thrips

  General Citrus thrips is originally described from various localities in South Africa and is indigenous. It occurs throughout Southern Africa, East Africa, Egypt and Yemen. Citrus thrips can survive on many different host plants but seem to be particularly attracted to those with aromatic oils and terpenoids. Damage and symptoms Citrus thrips larvae and adults feed on young leaves or fruit. They cannot survive on mature, hard foliage. They feed

• Spider mites and other mites

  Biological control of spider mites and other mites Spider mites and other mite species can rapidly infest greenhouse and field crops, feeding on plant cells and causing leaf discoloration, reduced photosynthesis and lower yields. Their fast reproduction makes early detection and continuous control essential for maintaining healthy, productive crops. Biological control of spider mites and other mites uses a range of natural enemies that target

• Thrips

  Biological control of thrips Thrips are among the most challenging pests in greenhouse and field crops. Their feeding and virus transmission cause leaf deformation, silvering and fruit damage, leading to reduced yield and marketability. Because they reproduce quickly and hide deep within flowers and leaves, effective thrips control requires an integrated biological approach. Biological control of thrips combines several complementary solutions that

• Whitefly

  Biological control of whitefly Whiteflies are common pests in greenhouse and field crops, feeding on plant sap and transmitting harmful viruses. Their feeding weakens plants, causes leaf yellowing and leads to honeydew deposits that reduce crop quality. Effective whitefly control is essential to maintain healthy, productive crops and prevent the spread of diseases. Biological control of whiteflies uses a combination of natural enemies and tools

• Leafhoppers

  Biological control of leafhoppers Leafhoppers are highly mobile, sap-sucking pests that feed on plant leaves, causing discoloration, stippling and leaf curling. Their feeding reduces photosynthesis, weakens plant growth and can lead to reduced yield and lower crop quality. In addition, leafhoppers can transmit plant pathogens, increasing the risk of disease spread within greenhouse and field crops. Effective leafhopper control is therefore essential