The nymphs and adults of mealy bugs suck large amount of sap from the tender plant parts.
This results in withering of growing shoots, inflorescence and developing fruits.
The insects being sessile remain stationary while feeding on the under surface of plant parts.
Besides causing direct damage, the bugs excrete copious amount of honey dew on which sooty mould develops which impairs normal photosynthetic activity.
Heavy nut yield loss observed under severe out break conditions.
Management
The infested portion of the plant should be pruned and destroyed.
Fallen leaves under the tree canopy should be collected and burnt to avoid further spread of the pest.
Encourage the predators like Chrysoperla carnea, Menochilus sexmaculatus, Coccinella septumpunctata and Scymnus coccivora in and around the cashew plantations.
Spray Lecanicillium lecanii (synonym Verticillium lecanii) @ 20 gram/litre of water
