African Entomology (2005) 13, 35-47

G.W. Watson and J. Kubiriba (2005)
Identification of mealybugs (Hemiptera : Pseudococcidae) on banana and plantain in Africa
African Entomology 13 (1), 35-47
Abstract: Banana and plantain are important sources of carbohydrate and small-scale farmer income in parts of Africa, and Banana Streak Virus (BSV) causes serious loss of yield in some areas. Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have been implicated in the transmission of BSV in the region. The identity of the mealybug vector(s) is not known, and the methods involved in mealybug preparation for identification are not widely available in Africa. This paper provides methods of collection, preservation and preparation, information on mealybug morphology, and an identification key to adult females of 20 species and 14 genera of mealybugs that may be found on Musaceae in Africa. Brief notes are given on the species, most of which are also important pests on other crops.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Gillian W. Watson

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Dysmicoccus brevipes	Banana/plantain (Musa)
	Banana streak virus	Banana/plantain (Musa)