The tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Heteroptera: Miridae): its status, biology, ecology and management in tea plantations

Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Heteroptera: Miridae) or the tea mosquito bug (TMB) is a major sucking pest of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) in most tea-producing countries. The nymphs and adults of the TMB suck the sap from tender leaves, buds and young shoots, which results in heavy crop losses. The damage to tea plants caused by the TMB is not limited to the sucking of plant materials and extra-oral digestion by salivation. Damage is also caused by the insertion of eggs into plant tissues during oviposition. More than a dozen alternate host plants and only a few natural enemies of the TMB have been recorded. For control of this pest, synthetic pesticides are widely used. There are many reports regarding the excessive application of insecticides that has resulted in the development of high tolerance and even resistance in this pest to certain insecticides. This review collates the most important works conducted on the bio-ecology of the TMB and includes a discussion of the problems encountered in the management of this pest. The scope of future studies and the plans for better management of this serious sucking pest of the tea plant are also discussed.