Behavior of mango pulp weevil, Sternochetus frigidus (Fabr.) at dormant mango, Mangifera indica stage.
Jesus-Lorenzana L. R. de
Author Affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Office 4B 4th Flr ATI Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman 1101, Quezon City, Philippines.
Journal of ISSAAS (International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences) 20 : 69-76
Abstract : The field location and daily activity pattern of mango pulp weevil (MPW) adults were determined during dormancy of mango trees in order to refine current integrated pest management strategies particularly, open-center pruning. During dormant stage of the mango trees there are more adult MPW found hiding on branches compared to trunks of mango trees. Among the adult MPW that stayed on branches an average of 4.2±1.64 MPW were located at 1 m horizontal distance away from the trunk and an average of 4.8±0.84 MPW found 2 m away from the trunk. Resting was the most frequent activity and had the longest duration for adult MPW during dormant stage of mango trees. The remaining time was divided between short walk and leg movement. The findings indicate that open-center pruning would be most effective if the inner canopy has to be removed by at least 25% diameter to expose the weevils to direct sunlight. The MPW behavior suggests it actually undergoes a period of dormancy that is specifically a diapause.