The influence of different management practices (insecticide, plant extract, homeo chemical & biological control) on the
mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) infestation was studied to evaluate their potential as a management strategy. Five
treatments viz. chemical control (Profenofos 50 EC), plant product (Neemosal 0.5% EC), homeo-chemical (Fierce), biological
control agent (Chrysoperla carnea) and a control plot were tested in three replicates. Profenofos showed the best control
against cotton mealybug population. Neemosal and Fierce did not notably lower the mealy bug population while C. carnea
failed to produce any result. It is suggested that neem based insecticide (Neemosal) and homeo chemical (Fierce) can be
applied during initial or low mealybug infestation, however chemical control (profenofos) should remain as the last option
during heavy infestations. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers