Pest Of Mango Research Articles

Effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on food consumption and mortality in the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae)

AbstractAnastrepha ludens(Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important pest of mango and citrus in Mexico. Here, we report the effect of the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium anisopliae(Metsch.) Sorokin strain MAAP1 on mortality and food consumption inA. ludensadults. Experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions at 26 ± 2 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and 12:12 photoperiod. To assess pathogenicity and sublethal effects, we sprayed flies with 1 × 109conidia/ml and 1 × 106conidia/ml solutions, respectively. Food consumption was measured by providing known amounts of food through capillary tubes to caged flies. We found thatM. anisopliaewas highly virulent toA. ludens, causing 92.3 ± 0.62% mortality at day 13 post-exposure. Interestingly, food consumption reduced by 17% in flies exposed to the fungus. These results support the implementation ofM. anisopliaewithin current strategies used for the integrated pest management ofA. ludens.

A decision support system for identification of pests/disease of mango for U.P.

Mango described as the “king of fruits”, known for its delicious taste, high nutritive value, strong aroma is a prominent horticultural crop of India. The crop grown in diverse agro-climatic conditions face differential biotic and abiotic stress limiting the production and productivity of mango. Climate change is expected to provoke the changes in diversification and abundance of arthropods, geographical and temporal distribution of insect biotypes, insect pests, herbivore plant interactions, activity and abundance of natural enemies, species extinction and efficacy of crop protection technologies which in turn will have a major bearing on food and nutritional security. Severity of mango pests is influenced both by crop growth and prevailing weather. Developing a DSS for U.P. state based on the Agro-climatic zones is an initiative that can address the above issues to some extent and facilitate sustainable mango production. The state is being covered by 9 Agro-climatic Zones. Development of databases, information systems, expert system, Decision Support System has already taken place in Indian Council of Agriculture and Research but development of Decision Support System for mango according to different Agro-climatic zones of India is not yet available. To facilitate this communication it is necessary to have a DSS of the important crop for different zones.

Pest categorisation of Scirtothripsaurantii.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the South African citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the European Union (EU). This is a well‐defined and distinguishable species, recognised as a pest of citrus and mangoes in South Africa, which has been cited on more than 70 different plants, including woody and herbaceous species. It feeds exclusively on young actively growing foliage and fruit. S. aurantii is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism presenting a risk to EU plant health. The international trade of hosts as either plants for planting or cut flowers provide potential pathways into the EU. However, current EU legislation prohibits the import of citrus plants. Furthermore, measures aimed at the import of plants for planting in a dormant stage (no young foliage or fruits present) with no soil/growing medium attached, decreases the likelihood of the pest entry with such plants. Interceptions have occurred on Eustoma grandiflorum cut flowers. Considering climatic similarities between some of the countries where S. aurantii occurs (South Africa, Australia) and the EU, its thermal biology and host distribution in the EU, S. aurantii has the potential to establish, especially in citrus‐growing regions of the EU. S. aurantii would most probably breed all year long around the Mediterranean and could cause crop losses in citrus, especially oranges. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the introduction of S. aurantii. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP), S. aurantii meets with no uncertainties the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP.

Emerging insect pests in Indian agriculture

One of the major challenges to humankind is threat to food security due to emerging and invasive pests. Increased global trade in agriculture has increased the chances of the introduction of exotic pests. Papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink), cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley), coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis Keifer), serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii Burgess) and tomato leaf miner [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)] are some examples. Insect pests on an average are estimated to cause 15–20% yield losses in principal major food and cash crops. Pest whose status has been changing from minor to major or secondary to primary pest is termed as an emerging pest. Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on cotton, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on vegetables and pulses, Spodoptera litura (F.) on vegetables, cotton and oilseeds, Pieris brassicae L. on crucifers, L. trifolii on vegetables and Atherigonia spp. on spring maize, have become increasingly severe during last decade. Increasing incidence of aphid complex, comprising of Sitobion avenae (F.), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) and Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) is now observed on wheat, barley and oat. Mites of the Eriophyiidae and Tetranychidae family have emerged as major pests of bean, brinjal, cotton, cucurbits, okra, apple, ber, citrus and mango in Northern India. Maruca vitrata Geyer has emerged as a predominant pest in recent years in all pigeonpea and cowpea growing areas of India causing up to 42% damage in cowpea in Andhra Pradesh. The invasive pest, coconut eriopyhid mite, Aceria gurrreronis Keiffer caused 64.16–89.42% nut infestation in at Thane, Maharashtra in 2014. During 2015–16 an epidemic of whitefly was noticed during August in the cotton growing areas of Haryana and Punjab (Kranthi, 2015). In this review the situation of emerging insect pests of crops is discussed along with the probable reasons for their changing pest status.

Local host fruiting pattern and climate variations impact on fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) population trends: A regional fruit fly population tracker for management options

Oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis being highly polyphagous, mobile and relatively long lived (~3 months), the efficacy of area-wide management programs is mainly influenced by field fruit fly population levels. A study was conducted to understand the seasonal abundance and host shift pattern of B. dorsalis, a major pest of mango, Mangifera indica L. in relation to climatic factors and host fruit availability as it is known to survive on both wild and cultivated fruits. The fruit fly population attained high levels in the months of March-July due to the availability of main host(mango) as well as supporting host fruits (guava, sapota, rose apple, wild fig, singapore cherry, sour cherry, karonda, star fruit) and the population was less during November- January. Correlation analysis showed that the fruit fly trap catch was significantly negatively correlated with relative humidity (r =-0.87, RH I; r = -0.63, RH II), whereas it was significantly positively correlated with maximum temperature (r = 0.89), host fruit availability (r = 0.89) and fallen fruits (r = 0.80). The statistically significant values (P =0.01, 0.05) revealed that the occurrence of pest incidence is mainly due to its host availability and prevailing climatic factors. Therefore, the management of fruit fly B. dorsalishas to be promoted from the month of February onwards to realize maximum benefit of management strategies.

Orthops palus (Heteroptera: Miridae), a major pest of mango in Reunion Island

Orthops palus (Heteroptera: Miridae) is a major pest of mango in Reunion Island. Larvae and adults suck the sap of inflorescences thereby desiccating them entirely. Severe damage and the rapid spread of the pest are often reported. Little knowledge is currently available on O. palus. To assess the abundance, distribution and host range of O. palus, extensive sampling of different potential hosts was conducted at Reunion Island. O. palus was found to be the main mirid species present on mango inflorescences and is responsible for most of the losses caused by mirid species. This polyphagous pest is widely distributed on the island and is not limited to mango alone but has a broad range of hosts (more than 10 species) including many plants of agronomic importance such as avocado, jujube and lychee. Our results reveal the requirement to enforce an agroecological approach for pest management of O. palus populations with the necessity of accounting for landscape characteristics such as surrounding crops.

Morphological and molecular characterization of the various species of Procontarinia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) attacking mango in the Philippines

The mango gall midge belonging to the genus Procontarinia is an emerging pest of mango in the Philippines. This study presents new information about the various species of Procontarinia and how to differentiate them from each other morphologically and genetically. Light microscopy and DNA barcoding techniques were used to identify the two species of Procontarinia observed: Procontarinia frugivora and Procontarinia postulata. Variations in larval, pupal and adult stages were noted and described. DNA barcoding using the mtCOI gene was able to delinieate P. frugivora and P. pustulata. Pairwise distances suggested little or no transition/transversion mutation within the two species. Further analysis showed that they have equal evolutionary rates using Tajima's Relative Rate Test and that they are 82.8% homologous. Construction of a maximum-likelihood tree showed separate clustering of the two species. The two species have distinct feeding niches. P. frugivora feeds exclusively on mango fruits while P. pustulata feeds on mango shoots.

Infection ofAnastrepha ludens(Diptera: Tephritidae) Adults During Emergence from Soil Treated withBeauveria bassianaUnder Various Texture, Humidity, and Temperature Conditions

Abstract Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a major pest of mango and citrus in Mexico. It is usually controlled by applying several strategies in a holistic approach. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Cordycipitaceae) is a biocontrol agent that infects adults of many tephritids pests including A. ludens. In this work, we carried out 4 experiments with the objective of estimating the mortality of A. ludens adults when different conidial concentrations of the fungus B. bassiana were applied to the soil at different humidity, texture, and temperature conditions under controlled laboratory conditions. In a first experiment, mortality ranged from 38.3 to 79.8%, with the highest mortality occurring at a concentration of 800 mg of formulated conidia per kg of soil, while the lowest mortality was recorded at a concentration of 400 mg/kg. In a second experiment, when soils with different texture were investigated at 12% humidity, the pathogenicity of B. bassiana ...

EVALUATION OF ECONOMIC THRESHOLD LEVEL OF THE SEYCHELLES FLUTED SCALE, ICERYA SEYCHELLARUM (WESTWOOD) (HEMIPTERA: MONOPHLEBIDAE) ON MANGO TREES IN GIZA GOVERNORATE

the seychelles fluted scale, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood) (Monophlebidae: Hemiptera) is a serious pest of mango in Egypt, while it causes yield loss in most of mango orchards all over the country. The economic threshold level is a key factor to start control program. Results of statistical analysis shown that, when population density of I. seychellarum were (27.24 & 27.22) pre-adult / leaf) in March and June infestation, respectively. These numbers could be regarded as economic threshold of infestation with I. seychellarum on mango trees, at this level sufficient time for initiation of control measures. Population of I. seychellarum showed four annual generations and four activity peaks; a small peak in mid-March, intermediate peak in June, the third peak in August and last peak in mid-September.

Preliminary inventory of scale insects on mango trees in Benin

A preliminary inventory of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) developing on the mango tree is presented for Northern and Central Benin. The following species, Gigantococcus euphorbiae, Gigantococcus nigroareolatus, Ceroplastes uapacae, Parasaissetia nigra, Saissetia privigna, Udinia catori, Ferrisia virgata, Paracoccus interceptus, Phenacoccus solenopsis, Rastrococcus invadens, Aonidiella orientalis and Lepidosaphes tapleyi, were collected from 2005 to 2007 in mango orchards in the Sudanian area of Benin, on branches, leaves, and particularly on mango petioles and fruits. Nine of these species are recorded for the first time in Benin while P. interceptus is recorded in Africa for the first time. Only two, R. invadens and A. orientalis, of the 12 species are considered as mango pests.

Comparative study of some parameters biological of Bactrocera dorsalis and Ceratitis cosyra (Diptera :Tephritidae) pests of mango (Mangifera indica) in Côte d’Ivoire

Bactrocera dorsalis and Ceratitis cosyra are the major pests of mango ( Mangifera indica ), in Cote d'Ivoire. The study of biological parameters of these pests has revealed that the development of B. dorsalis is higher than that of C. cosyra in the three agro-ecological areas. The experiments were performed in semi-natural conditions in the orchard and in the conditions of ambient laboratory environment. A specific breeding B. dorsalis and C. cosyra been taken. The duration of the life cycle of B. dorsalis are shorter (20.93 days in the South, 18.67 days and 17.93 days in the center and north respectively) than C. cosyra (22.53 days in the south, 20.2 days in the center and 19.5 days in the north). The male development time was shorter than this of females, as in B. dorsalis in C. cosyra . The number of eggs laid by the female of B. dorsalis (269 in the south, 347 in the center and north) was higher than this of the female of C. cosyra (186 in the south, 196 in the center, 197 in the north). Longest life was recorded in adult B. dorsalis . Adult males have lived longer than adult females, in both species. The study on the biology of these two fruit flies showed that B. dorsalis is a serious pest in all the views of the various parameters studied. These results allow a better determination of the periods and means of intervention in the control against B. dorsalis and C. cosyra .

Assessment of Mango Pests, Diseases and Orchard Management Practices in West Nile Zone of Uganda

Exotic mango varieties can improve the livelihood security and increase profitability of mango growers in Uganda. There are however, several factors like pests, diseases and orchard management practices which limit mango production and productivity. The study sought to investigate farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of mango pests and diseases and orchard management practices in West Nile zone (WNZ) of Uganda. Farmers growing exotic mango varieties were selected from six districts namely, Arua, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo and Nebbi in WNZ. Both purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to identify 90 respondents who were interviewed with a semi structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed both descriptively and inferentially. Chi square tests were used to analyze farmers’ perception on pests and diseases. Multinomial logit was used to analyze factors influencing choice of orchard management practices. The results showed a significant variation in perception of farmers on incidence, severity and yield loss due to various pests (fruit flies, seed borer, termites, scales and mealy bugs) and, diseases (anthracnose, bacterial black spot, powdery mildew, algal leaf spot and sooty mould). Farmers’ choice to take a particular management practice like pruning, spraying, manuring and mulching were influenced by age of mangoes, extension service, education level and sex. It was concluded that many pests and diseases of exotic mangoes existed in WNZ and sound scientific orchard management practices were still lacking among the mango farmers. The study recommended awareness creation on various mango pests and diseases, and capacity enhancement of farmers and extension staff on scientific orchard management practices.

Evaluation of pheromone traps against mango fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most destructive pest of mango in Bihar. With an aim to provide cost effective management strategies for farmers against this pest different traps were evaluated in mango orchard of Bihar Agricultural University, Bihar. Three years data on infested fruits revealed that hanging of wooden block (5x5x1 cm) in plastic bottle soaked in alcohol: methyl eugenol: DDVP (6:4:1) @10 traps/ha (replacement of wooden block at 2 months interval) was significantly superior which was followed by hanging of Rakshak (Dapoli trap) @10 trap/ha (replace the lure at 2 months interval). As far as fruit fly catch per trap per week is concerned, maximum number were trapped in hanging of wooden block (5x5x1 cm) in plastic bottle soaked in solution ratio 6:4:1 (alcohol: methyl eugenol: DDVP). Maximum yield as well as highest Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) were also observed with alcohol: methyl eugenol + DDVP.

Isolation and Characterization of 11 Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers Developed for Orthops palus (Heteroptera: Miridae).

Miridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha), or plant bugs, are one of the most diverse and species-rich families of insects. Most of them are phytophagous, but some are insect predators and used for biocontrol. Among this family, the mango bug, Orthops palus (Taylor 1947), is one of the most important pest of mango in Reunion Island. We developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci to study the population genetics of this pest species. The microsatellite markers were characterized by genotyping 78 field-collected insects sampled at different localities in Reunion Island. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 to 13 and heterozygosity levels ranged between 0.40 and 0.94. Several loci were not at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for the tested populations. These markers are the first to be developed for a species of the genus Orthops.

Present Scenario of Insecticides and Fungicides Use in Largest Mango Cultivation Area in Bangladesh

This study has been conducted to assess the present scenario of spraying insecticides/fungicides during the whole cultivation period of mango in Shibgonj upazilla of Chapainawabgonj district. A total number of 250 mango growers were randomly selected and interviewed by structured questionnaires from December, 2014 to June, 2015. The data were collected with respect to their educational level, cultivating land, times and types of insecticides/fungicides spray, and farmer’s consciousness about the excessive use of insecticides/fungicides. Out of the 250 mango growers, 184 were illiterate which accounts almost 74% followed by under HSC, 51 (20%) and higher educated, 15 (6%). Around 1-3 acre of land was used by 145 (58%) mango growers for cultivation followed by 3-7 acre by 85 (34%) and more than 7 acres by 20 (8%). Eight insecticides and seven fungicides under different trade names were most commonly sprayed at 2, 3, 4, and even more than 7 times in the stage of mango flowering, green mango, and finally, in mature stages. Most importantly, 151 (60%) growers do not have any, while 99 (40%) have very little knowledge about the negative effects of using excessive amounts of insecticides/fungicides. The mango growers are randomly using same pesticides under different brand name. Additionally, they frequently use fungicides instead of insecticides that cause no death of mango pest. As a result, they could not protect early dropping of mangoes. Furthermore, 103 (41%) and 147 (59%) growers have little and no knowledge regarding the side effects of spraying of formalin and calcium carbide that are used for preservation and early ripening of mango, respectively. Therefore, necessary actions should be taken immediately keeping in mind not only to reduce the early fall out of mangoes but also to produce safe mangoes for consumption.

Seasonal pattern in food gathering of the weaver ant Oecophylla longinoda (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in mango orchards in Benin

Prey capture and food scavenging activities of Oecophylla longinoda were monitored through regular weekly samplings during two consecutive years (2009–2010) in a large mango orchard of the Borgou Department of Benin, West Africa, a main mango production area located in the Sudan agro-ecological zone. In both years, interspecific competition with other ants occurred mainly during the dry season (January to March) resulting in increased captures of Formicinae, Myrmicinae and Ponerinae. More prey was caught during the rainy season (end April to end October) than during the rest of the year, with Diptera and Coleoptera prey peaking in May and June, respectively, along with the mango season. As insect prey quickly decreased during November to December weaver ants increasingly collected seeds and plant debris. A total of 241 species of insects were captured including 61 species (25.3%) associated with mango and a few with cashew, among which 48 mango pest species (78.7% of species associated with mango tree). Only five species (2.1%) of beneficial insects were captured. It is concluded that the presence of O. longinoda colonies is beneficial to perennial tree cropping systems such as mango and cashew.

Phylogeographic Structure in Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations Inferred With mtDNA Sequencing.

Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Mexican fruit fly, is a major pest of citrus and mango. It has a wide distribution in Mexico and Central America, with infestations occurring in Texas, California, and Florida with origins believed to have been centered in northeastern Mexico. This research evaluates the utility of a sequence-based approach for two mitochondrial (COI and ND6) gene regions. We use these markers to examine genetic diversity, estimate population structure, and identify diagnostic information for A. ludens populations. We analyzed 543 individuals from 67 geographic collections and found one predominant haplotype occurring in the majority of specimens. We observed 68 haplotypes in all and see differences among haplotypes belonging to northern and southern collections. Mexico haplotypes differ by few bases possibly as a result of a recent bottleneck event. In contrast to the hypothesis suggesting northeastern Mexico as the origin of this species, we see that specimens from two southern collections show high genetic variability delineating three mitochondrial groups. These data suggest that Central America is the origin for A. ludens. We show that COI and ND6 are useful for phylogeographic studies of A. ludens.

Histopathological changes in third-instar and adult Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) after in vitro heat treatment.

The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most harmful pests of mango causing direct damage by oviposition on the fruit pulp. Mango for export is subjected to hydrothermal treatment as a quarantine method for the control of this pest, but exposure to heat for long periods of time reduces considerably the quality and shelf-life of treated fruit. The aim of this work was to study morphological changes of third-instar larvae and adults of A. ludens after in vitro exposure to high temperature at sublethal times. A heating block system was used to expose larvae at 46.1°C for 19.6 and 12.9 min, producing 94.6 and 70% mortality, respectively. Treated larvae were processed for optical microscopy. A fraction of surviving treated larvae was separated into containers with artificial diet to allow development into adults. Adult sexual organs were dissected and processed for transmission electron microscopy analysis. Results showed that 94.6% of the treated larvae died at 46.1°C for 19.6 min and none of the surviving larvae eclosed to adulthood, as they developed as malformed puparia. For the in vitro treatment at 46.1°C during 12.9 min, 70% of the treated larvae died and only 3.75% reached the adult stage, but ultrastructural damage in the male testes and in the female ovaries was observed. Additionally, 11.1% of the adult flies from the in vitro treatment also showed wing malformation and were incapable of flying. The analysis showed that surviving flies were unable to reproduce.

GENETICS AND BIOLOGY OF THE MANGO BLOSSOM GALL MIDGE, PROCONTARINIA MANGIFERAE, A PEST WITH HIGHLY ADAPTABLE LIFE STRATEGIES

The development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on mango requires the knowledge of the biological cycle of the main pests and of their relationships with the mango tree. Among them, the mango blossom gall midge, Procontarinia mangiferae (Felt), is a monophagous invasive pest of mango, causing economic damage by attacking inflorescences. The objective of this study was to improve our knowledge on the biology of this species in the subtropical Reunion Island (i) by describing its genetic diversity and ecological abilities in order to evaluate the determinants of its genetic structure, (ii) by carrying out field and controlled experiments to understand the diapause strategies involved in maintaining populations from one flowering season to another, (iii) by modeling the female dispersion within and between orchards in relation to the mango phenological stages and their flight capacity. Our results showed that P. mangiferae was the only mango midge species feeding on both inflorescences and young leaves, present all year round at all of the sampled sites on the island, regardless of the climatic and cultural conditions. Secondly, diapause mechanisms allowed a developmental arrest at the final larval instar, lasting between six weeks to more than one year. Thirdly, female gall midges were able to colonize all trees of an orchard from external sources, but they were attracted differently by trees within the orchard in relation to the abundance and the phenology of the susceptible organs. These results illustrated the ecological plasticity of P. mangiferae. Consequences of these results to elaborate IPM strategies against the mango blossom gall midge are discussed. (Resume d'auteur)

Management of mango shoot gall psylla,Apsylla CistellataBuckton Through Farmers’ Participatory Approach

Field experiments were conducted in three varieties of mango on management of shoot gall psylla, Apsylla cistellata Buckton (Psyllidae: Homoptera) through farmers participatory approach in Shivalik Hills of Dehradun, Uttarakhand during 2011 to 2014. It was found during baseline survey in December, 2011 that all the varieties namely, Dashahri, Langra and Chausa were severely affected with shoot gall psylla. The results during 2012–13 in Dashahri revealed that two applications of thiamethoxam 1 gm per liter of water + profenophos 2 ml per liter of water during second fortnight of August at 15 days interval proved to be most effective. The number of galls was very low in this treatment i.e. 4.02 per 10 twigs and also maximum yield (267.17 Q/ha) recorded during 2013 which also significantly higher. Two applications of above insecticides were done in August, 2013 on 2100 mango trees (three varieties of mango) which gave tremendous impact on management of shoot gall psylla and increased the yield significantly. A total of Rs. 42, 66, 058.80 net income was earned by the farmers of Badwala village from their 2100 mango trees. This technological intervention against most devastating pest of mango have completely changed the mindset of neighbouring farmers due to which farmers applied two round sprays during August, 2014 in about 200 ha area. The data recorded in December, 2014 to observe the incidence of shoot gall psylla indicated that both insecticides gave remarkable impact on management of shoot gall psylla.