Mumbai trees infected by Mealybugs

Mumbai has approximately 3,000- 4,000 rain trees, of which 500 are infected by Mealybugs. The bug has mainly hit trees in Dadar, Bandra, Andheri and Kandivali areas. (Source: Express Photo by Vasant Prabhu)

The Mealybugs suck cell sap from the leaves, and eventually leaves and branches of the tree start falling off and the tree dries up. (Source: Express Photo by Vasant Prabhu)

Apparently, 180 rain trees in Andheri, Goregaon and Malad areas were infested by the bug, followed by 119 trees in Khar, Bandra and Andheri. (Source: Express Photo by Vasant Prabhu)

BMC officials claim that they have been able to save around 262 of the 500 infected rain trees by pruning them. (Source: Express Photo by Vasant Prabhu)

Dried trees that were infected by the Mealybugs in Santa Cruz. (Source: Express Photo by Vasant Prabhu)

Biologists say that cementing and providing cement boundaries close to the trees have weakened the roots and blocked the air supply to the roots, making the trees weak and leading to their withering. (Source: Express Photo by Vasant Prabhu)