The control of scale insects and mealybugs on mangoes in South Africa using neo-nicotinoids. A review of the experimental work from 2001 to 2005.
Lagadec M. D. le, Louw C. E., Labuschagne C.
Author Affiliation: Westgalia Technological Services, Private Bag X3009, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa.
: 549-557
Abstract : The mango scale insect, Aulacaspis tubercularis, and various mealybug species are serious pests on mangoes in South Africa and result in considerable financial losses due to the downgrading of mango fruits. Their control has become problematic due to the withdrawal of several pesticide products. To address this problem, neo-nicotinoid products, namely imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam, were tested over 4 seasons in large field trials. During the 2001/02 season, all 3 products produced promising results with thiamethoxam being the most efficacious. In 2002/03, dosage verification trials were conducted for the 3 products. The level of insect control achieved with imidacloprid and acetamiprid was not cost effective and the trial continued using only thiamethoxam. Development trials with thiamethoxam were undertaken in 2003/04 and 2004/05 in 2 mango growing areas of South Africa. At all trial sites, it was shown that the placement of the drench application was important. Application at the point of drip irrigation was most effective, resulting in approximately 90% of the crop being of export quality. The untreated control plots yielded significantly less fruit of export quality.