Sternorrhyncha belongs to homopteran. Mealybugs and scale insects are their most common representatives. Scale insects are really a big deal because they are, without any exaggeration, capable of killing the plant because they feed on the plant’s sap and pierce it, which causes injuries. The fact that they are easily transported from plant to plant makes things even more complicated.
Sternorrhyncha
Signs of damage
- Leaves start to look waxy. This is the most common result of mealybug activity.
- Signs of feeding. Most injuries indicate piercing because it is the way these insects feed on the plants.
- Brownish or yellowish leaves. Since the plant’s vigor is weakened, it affects the look of the leaves.
- Stunted growth. Another symptom of general weakening.
- Sticky honeydew. This secretion is one of the most obvious hints that a plant is colonized by this type of insect.
- Black sooty mold. This mold looks like the leave was burned or dusted with ash, but it is just mold whose appearance is connected to the activity of sap-sucking insects.
How to prevent
Inspection of your garden is vital if you want to avoid this problem because, as we have mentioned before, it can be deadly for the plant. Taking good care of your plant is also important because stressed plants become more susceptible to these insects.
Heal
Once your indoor plant becomes infested, it’s better to isolate it to avoid the further spreading of the insects. For mealybugs, rubbing alcohol can be helpful; you just need to wipe affected areas of the plant. Remember to prune infected parts of the plant; Insecticidal soap works great too, but you need to apply them every ten days. Natural predators like ladybugs are also very helpful; the biggest advantage of this type of treatment is that it is fully organic.
Go Premium to continue reading
Also you’ll get unlimited access to disease identification and all the other beneficial features
More problems
Thysanoptera
Thysanoptera is an order of insects commonly known as thrips, which roughly...
Nitrogen Deficiency in Plants
Nitrogen is one of many essential nutrients for plants' optimal development...
Insecta
Class Insecta contains many major plant pests such as aphids and thrips. Da...
Mosaic virus (general)
A mosaic virus is a group of viral plant diseases parasitizing many agricul...
Whant to know more?