OHP Marketing Log-in

Root mealybugs are in the Genus Rhizoecus. They are sucking pests similar to other mealybugs that feed on stems and leaves, but are adapted to feed on plant roots. Adults resemble small insects that have been rolled in white flour. Adults and their cottony egg masses are usually on the outside of the root ball, and can be seen when the plant is lifted from the container.

Damage symptoms are non–specific and usually involve slow or stunted plant growth, resulting in generally unhealthy looking plants. Plants that are root bound or under environmental or nutritional stress seem to be more susceptible to root mealybugs.

Females (there are no males) lay eggs in cottony masses, which hatch into tiny crawlers. The crawler stage is the most important for root mealybug dispersal among plants – often in irrigation water, but also in potting media. The initial infestation is often from purchasing infested plants. The life cycle from egg to adult is from 2–4 months. Adults can live nearly 60 days and produce three batches of eggs.

Discus™ – Nursery Insecticide
Apply 13 fluid ounces in 150 gallons of water as a drench to container–grown plants. The drench must be thorough, but leaching should be minimal.

Marathon® II – Systemic and Translaminar Insecticide
Apply 1.7 fluid ounces (50 ml) in 150 gallons of water as a drench to container–grown plants. The drench must be thorough, but leaching should be minimal. Shake well before use.

Marathon® 60WP in WSP – Systemic Insecticide
Apply one 20 gram packet in 150 gallons of water as a drench to container–grown plants. The drench must be thorough, but leaching should be minimal.