Orchid pests

Major Pests of Orchid are:-

1.Orchid Scales:  Diaspis boisduvali,Aspidiotus destructor

Symptom of damage:

• Nymphs and adults suck the sap from leaves
• It damages both leaves and pseudobulbs
• Honeydew excretion causes development of sooty mould fungus
• Yellowing of leaves
• Wither and dry up
• It is the common armoured scale found on cattleya andcymbidium.

Management:

• The root extract of plant Derris is recommended.
• Spraying of fish oil rosin soap at 15 gms per lit of water.
• Field release of green lacewing larvae Chrysoperla carnea
• Conserve the predatory Ladybird beetles Cryptolaemus montrouzieri ,Scymnus sp.
• Spraying of malathion 50 EC or phosalone 35 EC or methyl demeton 25 EC @ 1 ml/l

2.Orchid Mealy bugs

Symptom of damage:

Management:

• Lady bird beetles Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus sp. are known to feed mealy bugs.
• Spray malathion 50 EC @ 1 ml/l of water.

3.Giant African Snail  – Achatina fulica 

Symptom of damage:

• They feed on the young leaves, roots, flower buds and even open flowers.
• Slugs usually hide during day and become active during night
• Presence of slimy fluid on foliage

Management:

• Apply 15% metaldehyde dust or 20% metaldehyde liquid.
• Sprinkle 5% metaldehyde pellets around the infested plant.
• If the population is low, collect and destroy.

4.Orchid Mites: Tetranychus urticae, Brevipalpus australis, B. cauliformicus

Symptom of damage:

• Red spider mite sucks the sap from cells of leaves – causing white specks.
• In heavy infestation webbing on the plants.
• This is a serious pest on orchids during the warm and dry season.

Management:

Source-

• TamilNadu Agritech Portal