Kenya Mealybug

(Planococcus kenyae)

Credits: Biovision-Infonet

This mealybug was a major pest of coffee in Kenya in the 20’s and 30’s in the East Rift area, but it was successfully controlled with introduction of natural enemies from Uganda. Sporadically severe attacks occur especially in the colder months of the year. The mealybugs appear as white masses between clusters of berries and flower buds or sucker tops. They are often attended by ants, which feed on the sticky honeydew excreted by the mealybugs. Honeydew leads to growing of black sooty mould on the upper surfaces of leaves.

What to do:

• Cut off unwanted suckers and remove any branches touching the ground.
• Control attending ants by banding trees.
• Neem treatments have a good effect on mealybugs.