Standard IPM measures against an invasive pest Mealy bug, Drosicha Sp. (Homoptera: Coccoidea) on Willow tree ( Salix Wilhelmsiana ) in Skardu, Pakistan

The Drosicha sp (mealy bug) is an invasive and polyphagus pest in Baltistan, Pakistan. This pest was recorded in 2005, as primary pest of willow tree (Salix wilhelmsiana). The secondary hosts of Drosicha sp was recorded in Skardu region are apricot, apple, cherry, and mulberry. Our study was designed to find out Integrated Pest Management strategies against the Drosicha mealy bug. The Gunny bag wrappings along with mud paste was showed best cultural practice to stop the crawlers as in June only 6.0± 0.92 mealy bug was recorded per plant as compared to control (12.000± 1.03). The dispersal behavior (altitude and water availability) mainly affects the infestation of mealy bug in Skardu region. The mealy bug infestation at Chumik was statistically found maximum as compared to Halqa two and Hassan colony. The Sumnius renardi was observed as a predator of mealy bug in the field. The population dynamics of mealy bug was showed positive correlation with temperature. The temperature greatly affects the population and reproduction of mealy bug in Skardu. The maximum percent mortality was caused by Movento® 240SC (Spirotetramat +Imidacloprid) 47.13% after 72 hours of application.