Control Methods for Mango Flatid Planthopper

The mango flatid planthopper, also called the leafhopper, damages flower spikes and young fruit, causing flower and fruit drop, poor harvest or even total crop failure, and induces severe sooty mold. It also damages young buds, tender shoots and leaves, causing bud and leaf deformity.

It usually occurs more frequently during the flowering period, and high humidity and a dense canopy make this insect more likely to appear. In Hainan, this insect often causes a complete loss of harvest. Its appearance is somewhat like the water boatman in rice fields. Control methods: closely monitor insect activity during the flowering period; when this insect appears, walking through the orchard makes the leafhoppers jump, producing a rustling sound like falling rain. Once the pest is found, spray pesticide immediately for control. The main insecticides are:

① 50% isoprocarb (powder), 50% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate, 50% phenthoate emulsifiable concentrate, 25% phosmet, 50% cyanophos emulsifiable concentrate and 50% malathion (dosage 1000-1500 times dilution);

② 20% fenvalerate 2004 times dilution;

③ 25% carbaryl wettable powder, 15% propoxur emulsifiable concentrate (dosage 500-800 times dilution).

④ 20% propoxur emulsifiable concentrate, 20% fenvalerate emulsifiable concentrate (600-1000 times dilution) or a mixed solution of 40% dimethoate + 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate, each at 800 times dilution.

⑤ 10% lambda-cyhalothrin 4000-6000 times dilution. In orchards where leafhoppers occur (or have already occurred) frequently year after year, spray pesticide preventively when the inflorescence elongates, and spray 1-2 more times after flowering.