Sharma, S., Bhatia, S., Sharma, J.K., Andotra, S., Sudan, M., & Sharma, K. 2013 First Record of Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) an Invasive Alien Species on Papaya (Carica papaya L.) in Jammu (J&K), India. Munis Entomology & Zoology 8(2): 664-671
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Notes: The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus, an invasive alien species found to heavily infest papaya (Carica papaya), the major host. Paracocccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudodoccidae) was first described by Williams and Granara de Willink in 1992. It is a polyphagous species native to Mexico and other Central American Countries. It is also recorded from many countries of the Caribbean region, causing huge economic losses to papayas since 1994. Paracoccus marginatus is a small hemipteran that attacks several genera of plants (more than 40 species) including economically important fruits, vegetables. Integrated Pest Management (IPS) was identified as a key component in a management strategy for the papaya mealybug. Paracoccus marginatus damaging papaya in Jammu region is reported for the first time. The fundamental biological data, its existing host plants and its distribution in India and around the world is also described.
