A Firm Guideline to Control Pests in Mangoes

Mango is one of the prominent fruit consumed worldwide. Mango scientifically called Mangifera indica possess good nutritional benefit. Mango can be either consumed directly or is being processed into pulp form and many more.

Therefore to attain a good yield of mangoes it’s essential to manage mango trees. Currently, mango farmers are facing major challenges with pest infestation. This has resulted in cutting down their yield and obtaining less revenue generation.

One of the major devastating notorious pests is the fruit fly, scientifically known as Bactrocera spp., Ceratitis spp., etc. Several pests impact mangoes like mealybugs, seed weevils, aphids, and several others. Thus, to reduce pest invasions and obtain a good mango yield it is important to obtain good pest management in mango trees.

Common Pests in Mango

• Fruit Fly

• Mango Leafhopper

• Mango Seed Weevil

• Shoot Borer

       Also Read:- Effective Methods to Protect Your Cabbage Plants from Pests

The following are different strategies to prevent mango trees from pests:-

Using Natural Plant Extracts

Plants like neem, basil, chili plant, and garlic plant possess properties to kill pests. Garlic oil spray can be used on affected portions. This is non-selective which means they can destroy a wide variety of insect pests. Usually, it’s less recommended as they also target natural microorganisms. Spraying Neem water directly on vegetables remains effective for 3 to 6 days if kept in a darker region.

Cultural Practice

It involves orchard sanitization. If left unattended the affected fruits may infect healthy ones. Removing the affected fruits will prevent frequent infestation. Burning them two ft deep will help to prevent pest occurrence, especially preventing fruit flies to occur from the surface.

Also Read:- Best Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Your Fruits and Vegetables

Physical Control Practice

It includes the application of pheromones. This will help in preventing mass mating. Large no. of pheromone-baited traps can be used in fields to capture newly emerged moths. Bagging of fruits to be done to prevent a pest invasion. Bagging will help to prevent fruit flies from laying eggs. Either plastic can be used to cover or the newspaper can be used as an alteration.

Biopesticide Use

Biopesticides are non-synthetic chemicals made from plant extracts or different microbes. Their main function is to kill the target in such a way that it creates the least impact on humans and farms. Metarhizium 78, and Metarhizium 62 are some examples.

Also Read:- Effective Strategies for Securing Plants with Sprayers and Dusters