Pest management systems for the mango mealy bug, Drosicha mangiferae Green - a polyphagous pest of fruit trees in Haryana.
Lakra R. K., Kharub W. S., Zile Singh
Author Affiliation: Department of Entomology, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India.
Indian Journal of Entomology 42 : 153-165
Abstract : A study was carried out in India between 1975 and 1978 to develop ecologically sound and economical pest management systems against Drosicha mangiferae (Green), a polyphagous pest causing considerable damage to several economically important fruit trees every year in Haryana. The use of cultural practices helped in managing the D. mangiferae population; timely application of a slippery band of Alkathene sheeting 25-30 cm wide on a coal-tar coating 0.5-1.0 m above ground level was highly effective in preventing the ascent of nymphs. The small number of nymphs that managed to cross the bands were effectively controlled by an unidentified coccinellid predator, and, when necessary, foliar sprays of quinalphos, diazinon or parathion-methyl (methyl-parathion) reduced numbers of clustering second-instar nymphs by more than 90%. These compounds were also highly effective in controlling the mango pest Idioscopus clypealis (Leth.).