There are many mango pests affecting production in Kenya. These include:
Leaf hoppers
Leaf hoppers are small, plant-feeding insects that belong to the family Cicadellidae. They are named for their ability to quickly hop and move from one leaf to another. Leaf hoppers are considered pests in mango cultivation as they damage foliage, suck sap from leaves, and transmit diseases.
Biological control: One of the most effective biological controls for leaf hoppers in mango cultivation is the introduction of natural predators and parasitoids. This can include predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, as well as parasitic wasps that lay their eggs inside leaf hoppers, effectively killing them.
Cultural control: Cultural practices play a significant role in managing leaf hoppers in mango cultivation. Regular inspection and pruning of infested leaves or branches can help remove the pests. Maintaining good hygiene in the orchard by removing weeds and fallen leaves also helps reduce leaf hopper populations as they tend to lay eggs in these areas.
Mechanical control: Physical methods such as using nets or screens can be employed to exclude leaf hoppers from the mango plantation. This measure is particularly effective in smaller areas or greenhouses where infestation can be contained and controlled.
Light traps and sticky paper.
This is a light trap designed especially for the Mango Hoppers area which is the major pest on mangoes. Nearly 50 % of the total insecticides used on mangoes are for control of the mango hoppers. But this trap helps in keeping a check on the insect populations and thus reduces the cost incurred on the spraying on mangoes. The principle of the trap is as follows 1. The light is switched on in the evening time which attracts the insects towards it 2. These insects fly around the light bulb and get stuck to the insect-sticking papers placed around the trap 3. Few insects get trapped in the water bucket placed under the light 4. Thus the trap works at night catching the majority of the pest that gets attracted to the light.
Chemical control: In severe cases, chemical control can be used as a last resort. Insecticides specifically formulated for leaf hoppers can be sprayed on mango trees, targeting the pests directly. However, it is essential to follow the instructions on the label, use the recommended dosage, and apply the insecticide responsibly to minimize any potential harm to beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.
It is important to note that an integrated pest management approach, combining multiple control methods, is generally the most effective and sustainable way to manage leaf hoppers in mango cultivation. Regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and the use of biological control agents should be prioritized before resorting to chemical control options.
Mealybug
Mealybugs are small soft-bodied insects that belong to the family Pseudococcidae. They are typically white or pinkish in color and have a waxy or powdery coating on their bodies.
Cultural control methods in a mango orchard involve practices that create an unfavorable environment for mealybugs to thrive. These include maintaining proper tree spacing to allow for good air circulation, pruning infested branches to remove mealybug populations, and regularly removing fallen leaves and plant debris where mealybugs can hide.
Mechanical control methods are physical techniques used to physically remove mealybugs from the mango trees. This can involve using a high-pressure water spray to dislodge and wash away the insects or manually picking them off the plants.
- Polythene banding of tree trunk. Wrap plastic sheets or sticky bands around the tree trunk at 30 cm from the ground level. This will help prevent pink to brown-colored nymphs from crawling up the tree. This will also prevent ants from crawling up. Ants protect mealybugs from natural enemies.
Biological control methods utilize natural enemies of mealybugs to keep their populations in check. This can include introducing beneficial predators or parasites like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, which feed on mealybugs or their eggs.
Chemical control methods involve the use of insecticides to kill or control mealybugs. This can include sprays or drenches of specific insecticides that are effective against mealybugs. It is important to choose insecticides that are safe for the mango trees and to follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer.
Organic methods.
Mix neem oil which is an organic insecticide with a mild dish detergent and water (1 to 2 tablespoons of neem oil, 1 to 2 teaspoons of dish detergent, and 1 gallon of warm water.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach that combines different control methods to manage mealybugs in a mango orchard. This involves using a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. By regularly monitoring mealybug populations and implementing appropriate control measures, farmers can effectively manage mealybug infestations in their mango orchards while minimizing the impact on the ecosystem.
Inflorescence midges
Inflorescence midges, also known as mango gall midges, are small flies belonging to the family Cecidomyiidae. The adult midges are tiny insects, often less than 2mm in length, with long antennae and slender bodies. They lay their eggs in the flower buds or panicles of mango trees, resulting in the development of small galls or swollen areas on the inflorescences. These galls protect the developing midge larvae.
Cultural control methods in a mango orchard involve practices that create an unfavorable environment for inflorescence midges. This can include the timely pruning and removal of infested panicles to reduce midge populations. It is important to prune and destroy the infested panicles before the larvae mature and emerge as adults.
Mechanical control methods involve physically removing infested panicles to reduce midge populations. This can include hand-picking or cutting off infested panicles and destroying them by bagging and disposing of them away from the orchard.
Biological control methods utilize natural enemies of the inflorescence midges to control their populations. This can involve the introduction of beneficial predators or parasites such as parasitic wasps or predatory insects that feed on the midge larvae or their eggs.
Chemical control methods
involve the use of insecticides to control inflorescence midges. Sprays or drenches of specific insecticides can be used to target and kill the midges. It is essential to choose insecticides that are effective against midges while minimizing the impact on beneficial insects and the environment. Proper timing and application techniques are also crucial to maximize effectiveness.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
combines various control methods to manage inflorescence midges in a sustainable manner. This involves a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods. Regular monitoring of midge populations, proper timing of control measures, and the integration of multiple tactics can help manage infestations while minimizing the reliance on chemical control and preserving ecosystem balance in the mango orchard.
Fruit fly
Fruit flies, specifically the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) and the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), are common pests in mango orchards. They are small insects, about 6-8 mm in length, with colorful bodies (often yellow or brown) and distinctive wing patterns.
Cultural control methods in a mango orchard include practices that minimize fruit fly infestations. This can involve the removal and proper disposal of fallen or infested fruits, ensuring good sanitation in the orchard by removing all decaying organic matter, and harvesting fruits before they become fully ripe or over-ripe, as these are more attractive to fruit flies.
Mechanical control methods involve physically trapping or killing fruit flies. This can be achieved with the use of sticky traps or bait traps containing attractive lures or insecticides specifically designed to attract and capture fruit flies. Male annihilation techniques (MAT) involving the use of lures or baits that attract and kill male fruit flies can also be used.
Pheromone Traps
Pheromone trap
Mango growing bags.
Mango Growing Bags are breathable all-wood Pulp Wrapping Paper at Food Grade. Growing bags have a single-layer pattern with different colors for mango varieties. Vent openings are at the bottom of the Bag for air circulation, and a twist tie wire is embedded at the top for easy tying up. Bagging Mangoes on the tree not only prevents contact between the host and insects/diseases but also minimizes mechanical injuries thus improving quality, which in turn helps in getting a good price in the market.
Covering Mango fruits with growing bags.
Sticky paper traps.
Sticky traps are quite valuable to growers. They help in one of two things: trapping or monitoring. Specifications: 9 inches *8 inches material: pp sheet color: yellow thickness: 330-micron gum coating: 7 gsm on each side benefit: the glue will not dry out and the traps will last until the surface area is completely covered with insects, even though rain and heat.
Yellow sticky papers.
Solar insect trap.
The trap consists of a solar panel that charges during the day and switches on an ultraviolet light at night to attract harmful insect which are most active during sunrise. Sunset hours ensure that the device saves energy while being highly effective in controlling pests.
Biological control methods utilize natural enemies of fruit flies to control their populations. This can include the release of parasitoid wasps, such as species belonging to the genus Anastrepha, which lay their eggs inside fruit fly larvae and kill them. Additionally, predators like spiders, ants, and birds can also help in controlling fruit fly populations.
Chemical control methods involve the use of insecticides to kill or control fruit flies. This includes the application of sprays targeting adult flies or the use of systemic insecticides which the tree absorbs and kill fruit fly larvae as they feed on the fruit.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involves combining multiple control methods to effectively manage fruit flies in a mango orchard. This entails a combination of cultural practices, mechanical trapping, biological control, and judicious use of insecticides as a last resort. Regular monitoring and assessment of fruit fly populations, along with proper timing and coordination of control measures, are crucial for successful IPM implementation in mango orchards. It is important to follow local recommendations, guidelines, and safety precautions when using insecticides to ensure you are safe
Aphids.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that belong to the order Hemiptera. They are commonly found in mango orchards and are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly, infesting trees and plants.
Cultural control refers to the use of farming practices that deter or minimize aphid infestations. Examples include planting trap crops, such as marigolds, to attract aphids away from mango trees. Additionally, removing weeds and debris from the orchard can eliminate potential aphid habitats.
Biological control involves the use of natural enemies to suppress aphid populations. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are common predators of aphids and can be introduced into mango orchards to help keep aphid populations in check.
Ladybug larvae for controlling aphids.
Mechanical control methods physically remove or reduce aphid populations. This can be done through techniques like pruning heavily infested plant parts or using high-pressure water sprays to dislodge aphids from the mango trees.
High-pressure water
High-pressure water for controlling aphids
Yellow sticker trap.
Yellow trap stickers for aphids
Aphid control is a real concern of gardeners and several options have been proposed including yellow sticky traps. These can be yellow cards or yellow drinking cups, both coated in some sticky material.
The concept is simple. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and head for the trap. Once they get they become stuck and die.
Chemical control involves the use of insecticides to target and eliminate aphids. This method should only be used as a last resort when other control measures have failed, as it can harm beneficial insects and lead to pesticide resistance. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and recommended application rates when using chemical control methods.
Organic methods.
Spraying neem on the aphids.
It is worth noting that an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which combines multiple control methods, is often the most effective way to manage aphid infestations in mango orchards. By using a combination of cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control, farmers can minimize the damage caused by aphids while minimizing the negative impacts on the environment.
Mango tree borer.
The mango tree borer, scientifically known as Batocera rufomaculata, is a serious pest that can cause significant damage to mango trees. It belongs to the family Cerambycidae and is commonly found in mango-growing regions.
Description: The mango tree borer is a large beetle with a shiny black body and long, antennae. It can measure up to 4-5 cm in length. The adult beetles lay their eggs in cracks or wounds on the mango tree’s trunk, and the larvae bore into the wood, feeding on the inner bark and sapwood. This feeding behavior weakens the tree and can result in wilting, dieback, and even tree death.
Cultural control practices
involve implementing preventive measures and maintaining good orchard management practices. Proper pruning and removal of infested branches and tree debris help minimize the risk of infestation. Sanitation practices, such as clearing fallen fruits and removing dead trees, are also important. Regular inspection and monitoring for early signs of borer infestation are recommended.
Clean out entry holes with an iron hook or wire and plug holes with cotton wool soaked in kerosene oil, crude oil, or formalin which is capable of killing the larvae. Other methods involve cutting down infested trees, sawing off severely affected branches, and the removal of alternate host plants.
Biological control methods
include the use of natural enemies to suppress borer populations. Some parasitoid wasps and parasitic flies can attack and parasitize the borer larvae. Encouraging the presence of these beneficial insects through planting diverse plant species or using insectary plants can help control borer populations.
Mechanical control
involves physically removing the borer larvae from infested trees. This can be done by scraping the bark, injecting insecticidal dust, or inserting a wire to kill the larvae. Removing pupae and destroying heavily infested branches can also be effective.
Chemical control
practices should be used as a last resort and as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Insecticides specifically designed for borer control, containing active ingredients such as carbaryl or cypermethrin, can be applied to the trunk and branches according to label instructions. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and application timing to minimize environmental impact.
It is crucial to note that a combination of cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control methods is often the most effective approach to managing mango tree borers. Implementing preventive measures, practicing good orchard management, promoting beneficial insects, and using insecticides judiciously can help reduce borer infestation and protect mango trees against damage.
White mango scales.
White mango scales, also known as mango white scale or Aulacaspis tubercularis, are tiny sucking insects belonging to the family Diaspididae. They are common pests of mango trees and can cause significant damage if not controlled.
Description: White mango scales are small, oval-shaped insects with a flat and waxy covering. They are typically white or yellowish in color and are often found on the undersides of leaves, along branches, and sometimes on fruit. Infestations can cause yellowing, wilting, and deformities of leaves and can lead to weakened tree growth.
Cultural control practices involve maintaining good orchard hygiene and implementing preventive measures. Regularly inspecting trees for scale presence and removing infested plant parts such as leaves and branches can help reduce their spread. Pruning trees to improve airflow and sunlight penetration can also discourage scale infestations.
Biological control
methods involve introducing natural enemies that prey on white mango scales. These can include predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, as well as parasitic wasps that lay their eggs in scale insects. Encouraging the presence of these beneficial insects through planting appropriate insectary plants or using commercially beneficial insect releases can help control scale populations naturally.
Mechanical control
practices involve physically removing white mango scales from infested trees. This can be done by gently scraping them off with a soft brush or cloth. Pruning heavily infested branches and destroying the scales can also help manage the population.
Chemical control practices
should be used as a last resort and in conjunction with other management strategies. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, which suffocate and kill scales, can be applied to infested trees according to label instructions. Systemic insecticides may also be used, but caution must be exercised to limit their impact on beneficial insects and the environment. It is important to carefully follow the instructions and recommendations of the insecticide used.
Integrated pest management (IPM)
techniques, combining multiple control methods, are often the most effective approach for managing white mango scales. By adopting cultural practices, encouraging natural enemies, physically removing scales, and using chemical control judiciously, infestation levels can be reduced and the health of mango trees can be preserved. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to successful scale management.
Bark-eating caterpillar.
Bark-eating caterpillars, also known as stem borers, are a common pest in mango orchards. They belong to the order Lepidoptera and specifically the family Noctuidae. Here is a description of the pest and various control methods:
Description:
Bark-eating caterpillars are typically small in size, around 1-2 centimeters long. They have soft bodies with a cylindrical shape and segmented body parts. These caterpillars are usually brown or green in color, blending well with the bark of trees they infest. They bore into the stems and branches of mango trees, leading to significant damage to the orchard.
Cultural Control:
1. Sanitation: Regularly remove and destroy infested plant debris to reduce the population of caterpillars.
2. Pruning: Prune and remove infested branches, as it helps reduce the spread of caterpillars to healthy branches and aids in improving air circulation.
Mechanical Control:
1. Manual removal: Inspect the trees regularly and handpick caterpillars, placing them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
2. Trapping: Install pheromone traps to catch adult males and disrupt their mating cycle.
Biological Control:
1. Predatory insects: Encourage the presence of natural predators like parasitic wasps, spiders, birds, and bats that feed on caterpillars.
2. Biological insecticides: Apply biological insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacterium toxic to caterpillars, to control the population.
Chemical Control:
1. Insecticides: Use targeted insecticides labeled for caterpillar control. Apply them during the early stages of caterpillar infestation to optimize effectiveness while minimizing harm to beneficial insects.
IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Control:
IPM involves combining multiple control methods to manage the pest effectively:
1. Monitoring: Regularly inspect the orchard for signs of caterpillar infestation, such as chewed bark and excreta.
2. Threshold determination: Set action thresholds based on population levels to determine when control measures are necessary.
3. Combination approach: Adopt a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control measures based on the severity of the infestation and environmental impact.
It is crucial to note that a combination of cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control methods is often the most effective approach to managing mango tree pests. Implementing preventive measures, practicing good orchard management, promoting beneficial insects, and using insecticides judiciously can help reduce pest infestation and protect mango trees against damage. It is important to consider the specific regulations and guidelines provided by local agricultural authorities when implementing any chemical control methods.
References
- https://www.pestnet.org/pests-pest-outbreaks-insects-idioscopus-nitdulus-mango-leafhopper-palau/
- https://thecooperator.news/partners-introduce-biological-control-to-counter-new-mango-mealy-bug-pest/
- https://www.greeninguganda.com/Products/Fruit-Fly-Traps
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4h2-MZeUyY.
- https://www.daraz.com.np/products/yellow-insect-sticky-fruit-fly-trap-2pcs-i106597282.html.
- https://www.almanac.com/pest/aphids.
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-control-mealybugs-1902890.
- https://www.google.com/search?q=white+fly+sticky+papers+traps+in+mangos&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjZsYOC_r2BAxUEpCcCHexxBjMQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=white+fly+sticky+papers+traps+in+mangos&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1DcBlj6I2CEL2gAcAB4AIAB3wGIAbARkgEFMC41LjaYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=DWkNZZn3OITInsEP7OOZmAM&bih=783&biw=1600#imgrc=mcVzkkk6WBX6eM&imgdii=vJqunR_Iy9PHHM.
