Mechanical control of mango mealy bug (D. mangiferae Green) by tree trunk banding.
Chandra A., Bhati D. P. S., Singh K. M.
Author Affiliation: Department of Zoology, Agra University, Agra, India.
Indian Journal of Entomology 53 : 76-79
Abstract : The effectiveness of various methods of banding mango trees to control Drosicha mangiferae was investigated in an orchard in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1985-87. Namher bands were made from castor oil, sulfuric acid, axle grease, resin and glycerine and painted in a band 20 cm wide on the trunks. Alkathene bands were made by placing 2 sheets of 20 cm wide alkathene sheet (200 gauze) on trunks. Care was taken to ensure that there were no gaps between the lower edges of the sheets and the tree trunk. Esso grease bands consisted of biroza or resin with linseed oil and were applied in 20 cm wide bands at 40 cm above the ground. The alkathene bands were found to be the most effective at preventing insects reaching the tree canopies. The numbers of D. mangiferae that congregated below the banded level were 103 and 232.4 per tree in 1985 and 1986, resp., as compared to 26.1 and 21.57 on control trees. The alkathene bands were also economical, easy to apply and long-lasting. Namher bands are recommended for use only if alkathene sheets are not available. The Esso grease bands were ineffective.