manihoti

Manihoti is the species epithet used in the scientific name Phenacoccus manihoti, commonly known as the cassava mealybug. It is an insect in the family Pseudococcidae, within the order Hemiptera.

The epithet manihoti signals an association with the cassava plant, genus Manihot, most notably Manihot esculenta. Phenacoccus manihoti is a sap-sucking pest that feeds on cassava leaves and young stems, often producing honeydew that can lead to sooty mold and reduced plant vigor.

Origin and impact: The cassava mealybug is native to South America but became a major agricultural pest in tropical regions after introduction to Africa in the 1970s and elsewhere. Infestations can cause significant yield losses and affect food security in cassava-growing communities by diminishing root production and farm incomes.

Management and current status: A classical biological control program using the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus lopezi was implemented in several countries during the 1990s. The introduction and establishment of this natural enemy led to substantial suppression of Phenacoccus manihoti populations, contributing to stabilization and gradual recovery of cassava yields in many affected areas. Integrated pest management approaches now emphasize monitoring, biological control, and targeted interventions to maintain low pest levels.

Etymology and usage: The epithet manihoti is a Latinized form derived from Manihot, reflecting the pest’s strong association with the cassava crop. Phenacoccus manihoti remains the primary and most widely cited usage of the epithet.