3.1 Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Pseudococcidae:
Hemiptera)
N. viridis has been consistently recorded infesting cotton in central
zone all through the years, starting from 2009-10 at Nagpur and
Wardha, during 2011-12, 12-13 & 13-14 at Nagpur and during
2010-11 at Amravati district. The species was also seen in
combination with P. solenopsis and/or R. iceryoides. The species is
well known as an agricultural pest in Asia that attacks a wide
variety of plants including food, forage, ornamental crops and fibre
crops especially cotton; often causing considerable damage. It is
native to Asia and widespread throughout the tropics and
subtropics. Potential for invasiveness of this species appears high.
Adult females are about 4 mm long., purple in colour. During
oviposition females’ body gets covered with white waxy threads.
On squashing body contents ooze out purple in colour.