Mealybugs and their Management in Agricultural and Horticultural crops

Dr. M. Mani is an agricultural scientist with over 35 years of R&D experience in the entomological research. He has served in Indian council of Agricultural Research and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. His focal subject is pest control in horticultural crops including grapes.He has done wok on mealybugs for 35 years. Currently he is an Emeritus professor of ICAR, New Delhi. He got seven awards including life time achievement for his contribution to the research in horticulture entomology. He is associated with five scientific bodies. The author has published two books in 2013. 1. "A Wonder Predator (Cryptolaemus)" by Lap Lambert Academic Publishing Company, Germany 2. "The Grape Entomology" by Springer.

Dr. C. Shivaraju has worked extensively on insects infesting several agricultural and horticultural crops in Indian Institute of Horticultural Research and National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects both located at Bangalore. Particularly, he contributed significantly in research on eucalyptus and papaya pest management. He has co-authored two books - "A Wonder Predator (Cryptolaemus)" and "The Grape Entomology".

This book is a compilation of information on all basic aspects of mealybugs, as well as management strategies for mealybug species affecting different crop plants in different countries. It highlights the latest information on morphology, cytogenetics, taxonomy, molecular characterization, biology, damage, ecology, natural enemies, ant association, control measures, insecticide resistance and pheromones - essential aspects which will equip researchers to pursue further research on mealybugs. The book examines current trends in the management of mealybugs for a variety of agricultural and horticultural crops, forest plants and mulberry in different countries, while also addressing the negative effects of chemical control methods and presenting success stories of mealybug control that utilize their natural enemies. It offers a valuable guide for crop growers, government officials and other stakeholders in the industry, as well as researchers and students engaged in related research and development activities.

INTRODUCTION.- Part I - Mealybugs.- 1.- Mealybugs.- 2. Cytogenetics.- 3. Taxonomy.- 4. Molecular identification of mealybugs.- 5. Biology.- 6. Culturing of mealybugs.- 7. Mode of Spread of Mealybugs.- 8. Damage.- 9. Mealybugs As Vectors - 10. Economic Importance.- 11. Ecology.- 12. Natural enemies of Mealybugs.- 13. Semiochemicals in Mealybugs.- 14. Ant Association.- 15. Methods of control.- 16. Instecticide Resistance and its Management in Mealybugs.- 17. Mealybug Alikes.- PART II - Management of mealybugs in Agricultural and Horticultural crops.- 18. Rice.- 19. Wheat.- 20. Barley.- 21. Groundnut.- 22. Sunflower.- 23. Pulses.- 24. Soybean.- 25. Cotton.- 26. Jute and allied fibre crops.- 27. Sugarcane.- 28. Fruits: Apple.- 29. Pears.- 30. Plum.- 31. Peaches.- 32. Persimmon.- 33. Passion Fruit.- 34. Apricot.- 35. Pistachio and almond.- 36. Strawberry.- 37. Grapes.- 38. Citrus.- 39. Guava.- 40. Mango.- 41. Papaya.- 42. Pineapple.- 43. Avocodo.- 44. Banana.- 45. Sapota.- 46. Pomegranate.- 47. Ber.- 48. Custard Apple.- 49. Phalsa.- 50. Litchi.- 51. Jackfruit.- 52. Vegetable Crops.- 53. Tuber Crops.- 54. Ornamental Plants.- 55. Orchids.- 56. Medicinal plants .- 57. Plantation Crops.- 58. Rubber.- 59. Cashew. - 60. Oil Palm.- 61. Spices.- 62. Mulberry.- 63. Tobacco.- 64. Jatropa.- 65. Forage crops and grasses.- 66. Forest Plants.- 67. Glass, Green and Poly House Crops.- 68. Root Mealybugs.