Comparative efficacy of some banding materials against mango mealy bug, Drosicha mangiferae Green. in Haryana.
Lakra R. K., Kharub W. S., Singh Z.
Author Affiliation: Department of Entomology, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India.
Indian Journal of Entomology 41 : 170-176
Abstract : Field tests were carried out in Hissar, India, to assess the suitability of 5 tree-banding substances for controlling Drosicha mangiferae (Green), a major pest of mango. The tests took place over 2 consecutive years in a neglected private orchard where infestation by the pest was severe. Effectiveness was evaluated on the basis of numbers of first-instar nymphs crossing the test bands every alternate day. Sticky bands were found to remain effective for only a short time as compared with slippery bands. Of the former, the 'Namhar' band was best and remained effective for up to 15 days after application. The commonly used bands of rosin + castor oil (4:5) and coal tar + grease (2:1) prevented the nymphs from ascending for only up to 5-6 days after application. However, the slippery band of alkathene sheet was most effective of all in blocking the ascending nymphs, as an average of 2.79 nymphs per sample area were able to cross it every alternate day as compared with 407.3 nymphs on untreated trees. The optimum width of alkathene banding for practical application was 25-30 cm.