Management of mealy bug in papaya

A farmer  sri. Muthyal Reddy of Venkatampalli village  has grown papaya of Red Lady var.  in 4 acres which are of one year old.  During crop growth in the month of August, incidence of mealybug in papaya was observed in severe form in his field. He sprayed chemicals like profenophos, Donate etc and spent nearly Rs. 47000/- with no vain and finally he approached programme coordinator, KVK, Reddipalli for solution.

 The horticulturist of KVK contacted scientists of IIHR for management of mealy bug and Dr. A.K.Krishna Murthy, Principal Scientist (Bio control) immediately responded and released parasitoid, Acerophagus papayae @1200/plant. He suggested the farmers not to spray any pesticides as it may affect the bio control agent. After three months, complete control of mealy bugswas obtained  and Rs.50000/- was saved on sprayings.