Miscanthus mealybugs (Miscanthiococcus miscanthi) are well-known for limiting or halting plant development, infesting roots, producing yellowing and twisting leaves, and reducing flower output.
Miscanthus produces sticky honeydew, which promotes the growth of black sooty mold. The good news is that they leave purple marks on afflicted stems, making it possible to identify an infection.
Host:
Miscanthus grass, the primary host of Miscanthicoccus miscanthi, thrives in Mediterranean conditions with long, hot summers and mild winters. It is widely farmed in California. Miscanthicoccus miscanthus is anticipated to proliferate over the state’s nursery and ornamental landscapes.
Territory:
Miscanthicoccus miscanthi are found in China, Japan, Russia, and Taiwan. It was introduced to the United States in and is now found in California, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Damages caused by Miscanthus Mealybug:
Miscanthus mealybugs, Miscanthiococcus miscanthi, are a pest of the genus Miscanthus. They produce leaf yellowing and bending, stunted, unproductive plants with diminished flower output and flower stem elongation, and plant development stalling. Miscanthus mealybug may also cause plant harm by excreting sticky honeydew, which is a substrate for the growth of the black sooty mold fungus.
Life history and habitat:
Miscanthicoccus Female miscanthi overwinter as egg-bearing individuals, and crawlers emerge by May. In the Central and Eastern United States, three generations are born each year. Each generation of crawlers takes 3-4 weeks to grow. They can spread through infected plant propagation or when developing crawlers are blown to surrounding plants.
