Approximately 10-12 cm length terminal portions of the Shoe flower stems (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) infected with the P.solenopsis were cut off using a sharp knife. The cut end of each was wrapped with wet paper towel and collected in polythene bags. Then they were brought to the laboratory by keeping them inside a reform container to prevent from heat and mechanical damages during transport. Then yoghurt cups were taken and filled with tap water. A hole was made on each lid to tightly fix the stem portion. The