Abstract
The present study records the incidence of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) on Tulsi; Ocimum sanctum from Odisha, India for the first time. Critical observation revealed that infestation starts with the appearance of first and second instar nymphs on the tender portion of the plants. Later, they spread whole shoot and leaves of the tulsi plant. Leaves of highly infested plants become yellowish, gradually dry and later fall down. Two ant species namely Paratrechina longicornis and Solenopsis geminata were associated with this mealybug. Plants grown in shady areas are more prone to this pest infestation and severe infested plants become dried within 1 to 2 months after infestation. Beside O. sanctum, it also infested Euphorbia hirta, Citrus spp. and Rosa spp. Proper care and management practices should be taken as and when this pest being observed on this important medicinal plant.
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The author is highly thankful to Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar for providing facilities for the study.
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Seni, A. Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): An Emerging Threat of Tulsi; Ocimum sanctum L.. Natl. Acad. Sci. Lett. 45, 135–137 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-021-01088-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-021-01088-1