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idMicrobe: Tool to recognize plant diseases and consult home treatments

The Guide to Caring for Your Plants

Learn to recognize pests and how to combat them

Symptoms, treatments and recommendations for treating mealybugs or scales

Mealybugs Or Scales

Mealybugs Or Scales

Pathogen:

Type:

Insect

Risk:

HIGH

Symptoms, treatments and recommendations for treating mealybugs or scales

Cactus

Cochinillas

Mealybugs or scale insects: Symptoms and damage on cacti
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WHO CAUSES IT?

Mealybugs are a group of insects that belong to the superfamily Coccoidea, with multiple species that affect various plants, including cacti. These insects have an initial phase in which adult females lay eggs in the protected parts of the cactus. Upon hatching, the nymphs, known as "crawlers", look for suitable places to feed, inserting their stylets into the plant tissue to suck the sap. Mealybugs go through several nymphal stages before reaching maturity. The males, in many species, are winged and live only a few days, dedicated exclusively to fertilizing the females. Adult females are generally immobile and may be covered with a protective waxy coating, which allows them to adhere firmly to the host plant. This waxy coating also protects them against adverse conditions and predators. Reproduction can be both sexual and asexual, depending on the species. Throughout their life, mealybugs can produce several generations per year, especially in warm climates, thus facilitating their rapid proliferation and extensive damage to affected plants.

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SYMPTOMS

Mealybug infestation of cacti causes a disease known as mealybugs, which significantly weakens plants by sucking their sap, interfering with their ability to carry out photosynthesis and other vital processes. This attack can lead to reduced growth, chlorosis and, in severe cases, plant death. Mealybugs also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract sooty fungi, adding more stress to the plant and further reducing its photosynthetic capacity.

- Presence of a white waxy substance on the surface of the cactus.
- Discoloration and yellowing of fabrics.
- Appearance of sticky honeydew on the surface of the cactus.
- Growth of sooty fungi on molasses.
- Loss of vigor and delay in growth.
- Death of the plant in serious infestations.

Damage caused by mealybugs or scale insects on cacti
Mealybugs or scale insects on cacti: How to recognize and treat them effectively
Mealybugs or scale insects on cacti | idMicrobe
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TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

20°C a 30°C

60% a 80%

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TRANSMISSION PATHS

Direct contact between plants, Wind, Contaminated tools, Vector animals, Movement of infested plants

Do you want to remove this disease? Choose how you want to treat it.

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TREATMENTS

Chemical treatment

• ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02% [AL] P/V
• RAPESEAL OIL 0.825% + PYRETHRINS 0.018% [AL] P/V
• RAPE OIL 1.53% [AL] P/V
• RAPE OIL 1.69% ( ) [AL] P/V
• RAPE OIL 77.7% [EC] P/V
• RAPE OIL 848.24 g/l [EC] P/V
• ORANGE OIL 60g/L [ME] P/S
• PARAFFIN OIL (CAS [97862-82-3]) 40% [EW] P/V
• PARAFFIN OIL (CAS [97862-82-3]) 80% [EC] P/V
• ACETAMIPRID 0.005% [AL] P/V
• ACETAMIPRID 20% [SG] P/P
• ACETAMIPRID 20% [SP] P/P
• AZADIRACTIN 1% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• Azadirachtin 2.6% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• CYPERMETHRIN 5% [EC] P/V
• CYPERMETHRIN 50% [EC] P/V
• DELTAMETHRIN 1.57% [SC] P/V
• DELTAMETHRIN 2.5% [EC] P/V
• FLUPIRADIFURONE 0.008% [AL] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 5% [EG] P/P
• PYRIPROXIFEN 10% [EC] P/V
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF FATTY ACIDS C14-C20 48% [EW] P/V
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF VEGETABLE FATTY ACIDS 13.04% [SL] P/V

Authorized treatments in organic farming

• RAPESEAL OIL 0.825% + PYRETHRINS 0.018% [AL] P/V
• RAPE OIL 1.53% [AL] P/V
• RAPE OIL 1.69% ( ) [AL] P/V
• RAPE OIL 77.7% [EC] P/V
• RAPE OIL 848.24 g/l [EC] P/V
• ORANGE OIL 60g/L [ME] P/S
• PARAFFIN OIL (CAS [97862-82-3]) 40% [EW] P/V
• PARAFFIN OIL (CAS [97862-82-3]) 80% [EC] P/V
• AZADIRACTIN 1% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• Azadirachtin 2.6% (AS AZADIRACTIN A) [EC] P/V
• LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN 5% [EG] P/P
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF FATTY ACIDS C14-C20 48% [EW] P/V
• POTASSIUM SALTS OF VEGETABLE FATTY ACIDS 13.04% [SL] P/V

Biological control

• APHYTIS MELINUS (Parasitoid and predatory insects)
• CHRYSOPERLA CARNEA (Parasitoid and predatory insects)
• RHYZOBIUS LOPHANTHAE (Parasitoid and predatory insects)

Recommendations

- Regularly inspect cacti for the presence of scale insects and act quickly in case of infestation.
- Use a mild soap and water solution to wash the affected areas and remove the scale insects.
- Apply horticultural oils or specific insecticides recommended for controlling mealybugs, always following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Keep plants well nourished and in optimal health conditions to increase their resistance to pests.
- Introduce or encourage the presence of natural enemies of the mealybug, such as ladybugs or parasitoid wasps.
- Ensure good air circulation around the plants to reduce humidity and favorable conditions for mealybugs.
- Avoid excessive use of fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as they promote the growth of succulent tissues susceptible to infestations.
- Implement a crop rotation program and hygiene practices in the garden to prevent the reintroduction of mealybugs.
- Consider the use of physical barriers, such as netting, to protect plants from new infestations.

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Light traps for insects

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Solar trap for outside

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Effective against all types of fungi

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Tree protection. Easy to use.

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Adhesive traps for insects

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For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

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100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

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Lime for whitewashing

Lime for whitewashing

Insect Barrier/Repellent

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Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

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100% organic diatomaceous earth

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Natural insecticide against insects

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Beetle traps

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

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Trap for Tuta absoluta

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

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Snail and slug traps

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

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Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

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Effective against all types of fungi

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*The recommended treatments are still recommendations according to the databases of the authorities and at no time do they replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country

*The products shown are recommendations and are not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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TREATMENTS

Homemade treatments

BONE MEAL OR GROUND FISH SHELLS

RUSTY NAILS OR IRON SHAVINGS

BANANA PEELS

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULFATE)

SOLUTION WITH HOUSEHOLD BORAX

GROUND OR BOILED EGGSHELLS

COMPOST WITH ONION OR GARLIC SCRAPS

VEGETABLE COOKING WATER

WOOD ASH

WATER WITH VINEGAR OR LEMON (VERY DILUTED)

GARLIC INFUSION

USED COFFEE OR TEA

BANANA AND EGGSHELL INFUSION

POTATO OR LEGUME COOKING WATER

COMPOST FROM FRESH GREEN LEAVES

COMPOST OR WELL-AGED MANURE

DILUTED MILK (1:10)

BANANA TEA

LEAF COMPOST

NETTLE SLURRY

POTASSIUM SOAP AND NEEM OIL SOLUTION

POTASSIUM SOAP SOLUTION + NEEM OIL + DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

BAKING SODA AND NEUTRAL SOAP SOLUTION

GARLIC INFUSION WITH NEUTRAL SOAP

CHROMATIC OR ADHESIVE TRAPS

DILUTED MILK

HORSETAIL INFUSION

TRUNK WHITEWASHING

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

WOOD ASH

NETTLE SLURRY

CUT THE AFFECTED BRANCHES AND APPLY CINNAMON

GARLIC AND CINNAMON INFUSION

INFUSION OF WORMWOOD, CHILI OR CHILLI

CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA AND APPLY ASH PASTE WITH GARLIC OR CINNAMON

GARLIC AND MINT INFUSION

LIGHT TRAPS

APPLY CINNAMON POWDER

PITFALL TRAPS

CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

CLEAN AND SEAL THE WOUND WITH CLAY, CINNAMON AND GARLIC PASTE

GARLIC INFUSION

MATURE COMPOST

TRAPS WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP

SEAL HOLES WITH ASH PASTE AND CRUSHED GARLIC

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

ANT TRAP

TAPE TRAP

PHEROMONE TRAP

ALCOHOL TRAPS

FUNNEL TRAP

There are no home treatments

Natural allies

PREDATORY MITES

LADYBUGS

LACEWINGS

PARASITIC WASPS

HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES

PREDATORY BUGS

There are no natural allies

Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)

Chemical treatments

AGRICULTURAL SULFUR (POWDER OR SOLUBLE)

POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS

BORON FERTILIZERS

CALCIUM FERTILIZERS

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS

IRON FERTILIZERS

SULFUR FERTILIZERS

NPK FERTILIZERS

There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.

ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02%

RAPESEAL OIL

RAPESEAL OIL + PYRETHRINS

ORANGE OIL 6%

PARAFFIN OIL

ACETAMIPRID

ACETAMIPRID 0.005%

ACETAMIPRID 20%

SULFUR

COPPER 20%

COPPER 25%

COPPER 35%

COPPER 38%

COPPER 50%

COPPER 52%

DELTAMETHRIN 1.57%

DELTAMETHRIN 10%

DELTAMETHRIN 2.5%

DIFENOCONAZOLE 1.67%

ESFENVALERATE 2.5%

ESFENVALERATE 5%

100% GARLIC EXTRACT

PHENHEXAMIDE 50%

FLUPYRADIFURONE

FLUPIRADIFURONE 20%

FOSETIL-AL 80%

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE 56%

PHOSTIAZATE 10%

PHOSTIAZATE 15%

HEXITIAZOX 10%

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN

LAMINARIN 4.5%

METALDEHYDE

PIRACLOSTROBIN 6.7% + BOSCALIDE 26.7%

PYRETHRINS

PYRIPROXIFEN 10%

POTASSIUM SALTS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

SPINOSAD 0.024%

SPINOSAD 12%

SPINOSAD 48%

TAU-FLUVALINATE 24%

TETRACONAZOLE 10%

TETRACONAZOLE 12.5%

TETRACONAZOLE 4%

TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM (STRAIN T34)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

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REPELLENT PLANTS

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS PEST

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Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Sponsored link

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Fruit fly traps

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

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Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Treatment against snails and slugs

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Sponsored link

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Your products closer to your customers

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Sponsored link

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Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

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Solar trap for outside

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Effective against all types of fungi

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Tree protection. Easy to use.

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

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For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Adhesive traps for insects

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Sponsored link

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Sponsored link

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Lime for whitewashing

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Sponsored link

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

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For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

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100% Natural. Soil Restorative

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100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Natural insecticide against insects

100% organic diatomaceous earth

Natural insecticide against insects

Sponsored link

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Sponsored link

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Sponsored link

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

*The recommended treatments are still recommendations according to the databases of the authorities and at no time do they replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country

*The products shown are recommendations and are not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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