Should I discard plants with mealybug infestations?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Determining if you need to get rid of infested plants requires evaluation instead of *instant disposal.* With treatment, almost all plants can recover, even after extreme mealybug attacks. I have successfully revived many plants that were totally decimated by using a specific evaluation method. Only remove plants when evaluation indicates that recovery is impossible.
Recovery Indicators
- Healthy root system during inspection
- At least 30% undamaged foliage present
- Active growth points still viable
Discard Triggers
- Over 90% foliage damage or loss
- Secondary fungal or bacterial infections
- Complete root system destruction
Treatment Protocol
- Immediate isolation from other plants
- Root washing with insecticidal solution
- Systemic insecticide application every 3 weeks
Start aggressive isolation immediately after detection. If feasible, separate plants into another room. This will protect surrounding plants from the pests while you evaluate the infected plant. If the infected plant is on another plant, use different tools when working with the infected plant to reduce the chances of contamination on healthy ones. Quarantine should last at least three weeks and will follow the duration of your treatment.
Conduct a root-ball inspection by gently prying plants out of their pots. Wash the roots under running water to expose virtually hidden insects. Search for roots with white masses on them, indicating a heavy infestation. Healthy white roots mean recovery is still possible, even with much of the foliage lost.
Use a systemic insecticide such as imidacloprid for the most effective control of hard-bodied insects. Systemic insecticides work by penetrating the plant tissues and killing the insects from the inside. Follow the label recommendations exactly. Sprays are recommended every three weeks and should be continued for at least two months. Neem sprays, applied between applications, offer additional broad-spectrum control.
When you must discard plants safely and responsibly , please seal them in plastic bags for disposal to prevent the spread of the pest. Do not compost infested plants - they need to be thrown. I sterilize pots in a bleach solution before reuse. I mark discarded plants for identification as a reminder not to get these.
Track recovery progress via new growth. Healthy shoots will emerge pest-free, indicating a successful outcome. If no healthy growth has appeared in 6 weeks, dispose of the plant. Document your efforts for future reference regarding your responses to infestation.
Read the full article: How to Treat Mealybugs: 10 Proven Methods
