The deciduous shrub pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is reported for the first time as a host plant of tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis antonii Signoret from Bengaluru, India. Swarms of female and male mirid bugs were found feeding on fresh blooms of pomegranate. The nature of damage is typical of what can be after a tea mosquito bug feeding resulting in wilting and drying of tender shoots exhibiting scorching appearance. An average of 22.9 to 59% of the wilt was observed along with 2–5 adults per plant across the orchard. Considering the dire potential of this piercing and sucking pest and opportunity to provide an access to devastating plant pathogens, its extended host range to pomegranate crop is crucial.
Extended host range, First report, mirid bug, Punica granatum, sucking pest
