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 mealybu

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, a

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 o

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 a

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 Atlanti

Mealybugs and scales

Biological control of mealybugs and scales Mealybugs and scale insects are persistent pests that feed on plant sap, weakening crops and producing honeydew that leads to sooty mould. Infestations reduc

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

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 pho

Leafhoppers

Biological control of leafhoppers Caterpillars are highly destructive pests that feed on leaves, stems and fruits, causing serious damage to greenhouse and field crops. Their feeding reduces photosynt

Flies

Biological control of flies Flies are a common pest problem in greenhouse and field crops, where they disturb plant growth, spread diseases and affect crop hygiene. Their larvae can damage roots and g