Mealybugs and scales
is mainly the great quantity of honey-dew that causes the damage because of the sooty mould that grows on it. Ants are also attracted by the honeydew. [...] harmful viruses. Mealybugs inflict damage on the crop in various ways: nymphs and females extract the sap from the plant, stunting growth and causing deformation [...] honeydew, which, as well as the white, waxy secretion of the mealybugs, reduces the ornamental value of the affected plants. Fruit and flowers are also fouled