Determining the profitability of modified IPM practice on the control of mango pulp weevil.
Lorenzana L. R. J.
Author Affiliation: Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 4B, Marauoy, Lipa City, Batangas 4217, Philippines.
ACIAR Proceedings Series : 98-103
Abstract : Habitat disruption of the mango pulp weevil population (MPW) by the removal of 25% of the canopy diameter of MPW-infested mango trees, or open centre pruning, an improved component of integrated pest management (IPM), was initially evaluated in two demonstration trials at Brooke's Point, Palawan, the Philippines. A participatory action research (PAR) trial involving four mango growers was also conducted, following the same improved IPM work plan. The IPM mango trees yielded an average of 175 kg fruit/tree and a net income of 1,729.50 pesos/tree in contrast to traditionally (farmers') managed trees, which yielded only 4 kg or an income of only 20.00 pesos/tree. In the PAR trial, a net income of 2,543.17 pesos/tree was achieved. The improved IPM offers a solution to the long-term problem of unproductive MPW-infested mango trees in southern Palawan.