Prevalence and control of mango mealy bug Drosicha stebbingi (Green) in Bihar.
Prasad V. G., Singh R. K.
Author Affiliation: Rajendra Agricultural University, Agricultural Research Institute and College, Campus-Sabour, Bihar, India.
Indian Journalof Entomology 38 : 214-224
Abstract : Drosicha mangiferae (Green) is a major pest of mango in India. Its bionomics and control were studied in Bihar between 1962 and 1971. The eggs of this mealybug are laid in the soil during May and hatch between mid-December and early January. The nymphs climb up the mango trees, congregating near the tender shoots at the top. By sucking the sap they cause the shoots to dry and markedly reduce the yield. Peak populations were observed on the trunks between 9 and 12 January and on the shoots between 30 January and 2 February. The intensity of the attack varied with the year and the locality, probably under the influence of the soil and environmental conditions. Moderate rainfall (55-60 mm) at oviposition and dry conditions at hatching appeared to be favourable for development. The raking of the soil in October and the application to it of 5% aldrin afforded some control, but complete control could be obtained by the use of grease bands round the trunks from the second week of December. An alternative method proved to be banding with coal tar (which remains effective for only a relatively short period) followed by 3-4 applications to the trunk of 0.04% malathion or 3 of 0.03% dimethoate, 0.03% phosphamidon, 0.04% diazinon or 0.05% thiometon during January. All these insecticides were equally effective when applied to the shoots (after banding of the trunks) in late February and early March. Diazinon and thiometon were too expensive for their use to be recommended.