The Geographical Distribution of Mealybug Wilt with Notes on Some Other Insect Pests of Pineapple1

Abstract

Mealybug wilt of pineapple was found in S. and E. Africa, Malaya, Java, Philippine I., Queensland and Fiji. Pseudococcus brevipes was found wherever the pineapple plant was growing but the incidence of the disease induced by the insect''s feeding was low on virgin lands and in areas of high rainfall without extreme temps. Green spotting strains were found but without the symbiotic flora typical of the Hawaiian green spotting strain. Many biological strains of P. brevipes have probably arisen, which complicate the problem of biol. control. No effective biol. control factors were observed although several predators were successfully shipped to Hawaii.