LetgenPro|Real-Time PCR Kit (Planococcus citri)

Planococcus citri (Citrus Mealybug, PSECCI) is a polyphagous pest affecting citrus, grapes, ornamentals and greenhouse crops worldwide. These soft-bodied insects form white, waxy colonies on leaves, stems and fruits while feeding on plant sap. Heavy infestations cause leaf yellowing, fruit drop and honeydew secretion leading to sooty mold growth. The pest spreads through contaminated plant material, wind dispersal of crawlers, and human-assisted transport. Females reproduce parthenogenetically, enabling rapid population growth. Optimal development occurs at 25-30°C with multiple overlapping generations per year. Ants often protect mealybug colonies while harvesting honeydew, facilitating their spread.