First report of Coccus viridis (Green) as a pest of dragon fruit in West Bengal

Abstract

A field study was conducted to document the insect pests of dragon fruit at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mandouri, West Bengal, India during 2022 and 2023. The infestation of Coccus viridis was observed in pink and white-fleshed fruits during June to October. The population of nymphs and adults varied from 5 to 72/fruit during the study period. The pest was found in close association with red ants and mealy bugs. However, the infestation was found confined to fruits only. Rusty specks formed on fruits and severely infested fruits remained underdeveloped and small. This is the first report of C. viridis infestation on dragon fruit from West Bengal, India.