Seasonal incidence and biology of the mango hopper Amritodus atkinsoni Lethier (Homoptera: Cicadellidae).
Babu L. B., Maheswari T. U., Rao N. V.
Author Affiliation: Department of Entomology, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, India.
Entomon 27 : 35-42
Abstract : Studies on seasonal incidence, biology, morphometrics and ovipositional behaviour of mango hopper, A. atkinsoni, were carried out in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, during 1998-99. Mango hoppers were found colonized during both vegetative and reproductive phases of the crop. Peak incidence was noticed during full bloom stage of the crop after which the insects migrated to cracks and crevices of the tree trunk. The biology included an incubation period of about 4-8 days, 4 nymphal stages lasting for 10 to 14 days and adult longevity for 3-4 days. The eggs were deposited singly on the midribs of the tender leaves, flower buds and inflorescence. The distal portion on the lower surface of the leaf was the most preferred site for oviposition. The eggs were deeply thrusted into the tissue singly in a row and remain exposed in the slit made during oviposition.