Mango Hoppers
Mango hoppers are the most destructive, widespread pest of mango trees, severely impacting yields by feeding on sap from tender leaves and flowers (inflorescence). They cause flowers to dry, fall (drop), and excrete a sugary honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. The nymphs are pale yellow in color, very active and hide in lower shoots or in cracks in the barks. Adults measure ~ 4 mm in length, light brown in color with two spots on scutellum.
Problem Category: Fungal disease
Symptoms: The mother hoppers and young ones gather in groups and suck the sap from the young leaves, flower stalks, flowers, and young fruits. When young leaves are stung, the tips and edges of the leaves turn brown. The flower turns brown. Fruits are not formed. In addition, fungi called ‘Capnodium’ and ‘Miliola’ grow on the sweet substance like honey excreted by these insects, which causes a black sooty layer to form on the leaves, flower stalks, and fruits. Due to this, photosynthesis does not take place in the leaves and the fruits become small and fall off.
Comments:
Management: • Avoid close planting, as the incidence very severe in overcrowded orchards. • Orchards must be kept clean by ploughing and removal of weeds. • To control these honeydew hoppers, in January, before the buds open, spray 5% neem seed infusion per 100 liters of water or 300 ml neem formulation (1500 ppm azadaractin) along with 300 g. water-soluble sulfur. Depending on the age of the tree, about 10 to 20 liters of the solution will be needed. • Before the flower stalks or buds emerge and the flowers open, spray 3-5 ml of Panchagavya or 50 ml of Jeevamrutham, 3 gm. Verticillium, 3 gm. Biveria bassiana, 5 gm. Trichoderma viridi per liter of water
Control: • Mix 1 liter of cattle urine in 10 liters of water and spray 1-2 times at an interval of 15 days. • Alternatively, spray 3-5 ml. Panchagavya or 50 ml. Jeevamrutham, 3-5 g. Trichoderma viridi, 2 g. Biveria bassiana. or 3 g. Verticillium lecani per liter of water.
