Nikitenko, V.G., & Ponomarev, V.G. 1981 [A quarantine lifted]. Zashchita rastenii. Moscow (No. 12): 44.

Notes: Comstock's mealybug (Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuw.)) was noted for the 1st time in the Stavropol' region of the USSR in 1971, when it occurred over an area of 2.03 ha in Pyatigorsk. Mulberry, other fruit trees and vegetables were the most heavily infested, and the symptoms of infestation are described; the ultimate loss of yield reached its highest level (35-50%) in vegetables. Measures to prevent spread of the mealybug were undertaken. Foci of infestation were sprayed with 0.2% dimethoate (Rogor) and 15 mulberry trees were burned, while biological control by the release of Pseudaphycus was also employed. Regular observations were maintained, and during the next 4 years the mealybug was little in evidence. In 1980, after a campaign amongst growers, a survey was carried out over an area of 5500 ha from 5 July to 1 August and from 20 August to 10 October by specialists from the local quarantine service, and the mealybug was not found. It was concluded that chemical treatments combined with biological control had eliminated the insect, and quarantine regulations were therefore suspended.