Integrated pest management and monitoring techniques for mango pests.
Peņa J. E.
Author Affiliation: Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 330301, USA.
: 151-161
Abstract : This paper assesses the availability of sampling techniques and economic thresholds for several pests of mango. A sequential sampling plan for monitoring hopper populations has been developed in India, while sampling techniques for the mango blister midge or mango gall midge, Erosomyia mangiferae [Procontarinia mangiferae] and Dasineura mangiferae [Procystiphora mangiferae], are unknown. Fruit fly (Tephritidae) numbers are easily monitored with pheromone traps, although trap catches have not been related to the risk to the crop in different areas. Intra-tree distribution, sampling techniques for mango seed weevils, Sternochetus mangiferae and S. gravis [S. frigidus], have been developed. Sampling techniques and thresholds for pests of leaves and buds i.e., gall midges Procontarinia matteiana, Erosomyia [Procontarinia] spp., and Procontarinia schreineri are seldom practiced. The mango bud mite, Aceria mangiferae, attacks buds of terminals. Because of the difficulty to assess mite densities in the field, the relationship between bud proliferation and mite densities could be used to determine action levels. The spatial distribution of Rastrococcus invadens, a polyphagous mealybug infesting leaves, flowers and fruits, was studied by binomial sampling plans. The importance of sampling intensity and knowledge of action thresholds in obtaining high-quality fruits is emphasized. Some research is mentioned to develop sampling techniques for mango pests. However, for some pests, adequate sampling techniques are not available.