How Kenya is preventing mango mealybug through early detection
The confirmation of mango mealybug in neighboring countries has raised concern for Kenya’s agricultural sector. Although the invasive pest has not been detected in Kenya, the risk of its introduction remains high due to the cross-border movement of plant materials. If established, mango mealybug could affect mango production and trade, making prevention and early detection…
Managing mango mealybugs
Mango mealybugs are one of the most important insect pests affecting mango production across tropical and subtropical regions in Africa and Asia. These sap-sucking insects not only reduce the quantity and quality of fruit but can also weaken trees over time, leading to long-term production losses. Several species fall under the broad category of “mango…
Understanding mango mealybug – a significant crop pest
The mango mealybug (Rastrococus invadens) is an invasive pest outside its native home in Southeast Asia. It threatens mango crops, particularly affecting smallholder farmers. This scale insect pest lowers mango yields and quality, and because it’s a quarantine pest, it can also impact trade.