Studies on the efficacy of bacteria as control agents of mealybugs

Abstract

The efficacy of Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus thuringiensis as control agents of mango mealybugs, Rastrococcus invadens Williams, was carried out. Pathogenicity of the bacteria cultures on the live mealybugs were carried out with the aid of an aerial handsprayer using varying concentrations of the microorganisms. All the microorganisms caused the death of the mealybugs but with varying degrees of efficiency. Bacillus thuringiensis was more effective than Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.