Biology of mango leaf weevil, Rhynchaenus mangiferae Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).
Gajendra Singh, Misra P. N.
Author Affiliation: Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttar Pradesh 263145, India.
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 51 : 334-339
Abstract : Field observations were carried out in Uttar Pradesh, India, between 1975 and 1978 on the biology of the mango pest Rhynchaenus mangiferae Mshl. The insect bred in the inflorescences of mango, and the larvae attacked 40% of the florets. Adult activity began in the second week of February and continued until the end of April. The adult population peaked in the fourth week of March on panicles and in the first week of April on new leaves. Oviposition took place during the day, females laying their eggs in slits made in the florets. The egg period lasted 2 days, while the larval and pupal periods both lasted 4 days. Adults were quiescent from April to February. The pest was also observed to develop on litchi but not to oviposit on it.