Mealybugs

Mealybugs are not as common with chillies as the other sucking insects but can be an issue. Much like whitefly, mealybugs reside under the leaves and around growth points and fruit where they multiply exponentially. They are highly visible when adult (white & visible to the naked eye), but can be tricky to near impossible to spot when very young as they are very small and light green. Damage to leaves, growth points and fruit is ultimately detrimental and as such Mealybugs must be treated as soon as is possible. Good news is that they are visible and fairly slow to move around, so catching them is not an issue. The bad news is that like all other sap suckers, Mealybugs are vectors for infections such as fungal, bacterial and viral infections that are ultimately terminal. So these have to be controlled as soon as they are spotted.

Spray infested plants with BioGrow's BioNeem™, Pyrol™ or Neudosan™. The latter two are contact insecticides which may work slightly better for mealybugs. Spray plant after sunset, ensuring to cover the entire plant - over and under leaf and a particular focus on the growth points of the plant. Being organic, improvements may take time to appear. Ensure that you repeat this process several times until new growth appears healthy and clear of any deformation. Always read product instructions and follow instructions exactly as given by the manufacturer.