Abstract

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) are destructive, polyphagous pests affecting diverse field, horticultural, and plantation crops worldwide. Their sap-sucking activity causes plant deformation, honeydew secretion, sooty mold development, and substantial yield losses. Some species also transmit economically important plant viruses. Their waxy covering, cryptic behaviour, rapid reproduction, and microbial associations complicate management. Sustainable control requires integrated pest management combining cultural, biological, botanical, and chemical approaches. Eco-friendly biological control agents and microbial-based interventions offer promising alternatives for long-term suppression of mealybug populations and reduced dependence on synthetic pesticides.