Mango mealybugs impact mango production across tropical and subtropical regions in Africa and Asia. These insects reduce both the quantity and quality of mango fruit and can weaken trees over time, leading to production losses. Multiple species, such as Drosicha mangiferae, Drosicha stebbingi, Rastrococcus iceryoides, and Rastrococcus invadens, are categorized as mango mealybugs.
D. mangiferae and D. stebbingi, often called the giant mealybugs, exist in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China. Their hosts include papaya and guava. R. iceryoides is in East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania, and in parts of South and Southeast Asia. It feeds on mango, Indian siris, citrus, and coffee. R. invadens, widespread in places such as Ghana and Nigeria, affects breadfruit and banana.
Mealybugs are oval-shaped, coated in white wax, and adult males are winged yet rarely seen. Female D. mangiferae mealybugs are wingless, and males have brown-black wings. R. iceryoides adults have a prominent white waxy coating, and R. invadens females are greenish-white with wax.
Mealybugs damage mango trees by sucking sap and excreting honeydew, which promotes sooty mould, affecting photosynthesis. Severe infestations lead to leaf yellowing and premature fall, slow growth, reduced flowering, and fruit drop.
The lifecycle starts with females laying eggs in cottony sacs. Eggs hatch into nymphs, which crawl up the plant to feed. Mango mealybugs typically cause damage in warmer months. They spread via wind, rain, birds, ants, and human activities.
Management of mealybugs involves prevention, such as sourcing pest-free planting material, deep ploughing, and removing alternate host plants. Monitoring involves inspections to detect infestations early, checking leaves and trunk for signs. Direct control approaches use barriers like grease bands, manual removal, and pruning.
Biological control includes releasing predatory beetles and parasitoid wasps, or using neem-based sprays. Chemical control involves insecticide application, observing safety guidelines, and avoiding harm to beneficial insects. For local recommendations, consult local extension workers or agro-dealers.
Source: PlantwisePlus Blog
