Identification of the pest:
- Plants become unhealthy stunted and yellow
- The leaves wither from top downwards
- Honeydew secreted by the bug causes growth of sooty mould on leaves
- Panicle formation is inhibited and the plants die if attack is severe
- The midribs of the leaves turn red due to egg-laying and may dry up subsequently
- Egg: Laid inside the leaf tissue and covered with a white waxy substance
- Adult : Yellowish brown to dark brown with translucent wings
Management :
- Spray with 0.04% diazine (or) dimethoate 0.02% in 500 litres water/ha
| Stunted and toppled leaves | Midrib with egg layings | Peregrinus maidis |