Mealy bugs infests anumber of crop plants and results a serious economic loss. Although, there are a
number of insecticides to overcome the yeild losses in crop plants. But, the presence of waxy layer around
its body that make them so difficult to control by means of insecticides. The waxy coating, high
reproduction rate, protection by ants and variety of hosts are some of the factors which contribute to the
pest status of this pest insect. Most of farmers mainly rely on synthetic chemicals for the management of
cotton mealy bug but due to rising environmental and economic concerns there is a dire need to develop
eco and environmental friendly measures to combat this menace. The use of synthetic insecticides is
extremely toxic to natural enemies of mealy bugs. Plant derivatives can be used as an alternative approach
to synthetic chemicals which are cost effective, easily available and safe to environment and biocontrol
agents. Similarly, olfactory studies show that odors emitted from plant and mealy bug itself can also be
used in pest management strategies