Control Methods and Application Tips for Mango Scale Insects

Scale insects are one of the major pests of mango, severely affecting mango yield and quality and causing huge losses to fruit growers' economic returns. So how should mango scale insects be controlled? Follow along with the editor to take a look at the detailed introduction.

1. Damage Symptoms

Scale insects mainly damage mango branches, fruit and leaves, reproducing mainly by sucking the plant's sap. They often hide on the underside of leaves, absorbing sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and seriously affecting photosynthesis, leading to branch dehydration and weakened tree vigor. At the same time, they secrete large amounts of honeydew, providing a breeding ground for sooty mold and affecting the commercial value of the fruit. Scale insects prefer warm, humid environments, so they generally multiply in large numbers during the rainy season. When temperatures drop, they hide in dead branches and fallen leaves to overwinter, and when the rainy season arrives they multiply in large numbers and continue to cause damage.

2. Characteristics and Habits

The main species of scale insects include coconut scale, wheel scale, citrus mealybug and horned wax scale, which are light brown, thin and transparent. Newly hatched larvae are light yellow-green, gradually turning yellow, and oval-shaped. Adults and larvae gather on leaf parts, absorbing sap and causing leaves to lose their green color and turn yellow. Newly hatched larvae crawl on the fruit and then settle on the underside of leaves or on the fruit, causing flower and fruit drop, and in severe cases leading to weakened trees. Settling on the fruit skin also causes insect spots and secretes large amounts of honeydew and wax, inducing sooty mold and resulting in low commercial value of the fruit.

3. Control Methods

Pruning within the orchard should be strengthened to improve ventilation and light penetration in the orchard, weeds should be eliminated promptly and burned together with residual branches and fallen leaves to reduce overwintering pest sources. In addition, lime sulfur mixture can be sprayed for a comprehensive orchard cleanup, which can effectively kill the pests. During peak pest periods, attention should be paid to protecting and introducing natural enemies. The natural enemies of scale insects include predatory ladybugs and green lacewings, and parasitic aphelinid wasps and encyrtid wasps. When choosing chemical control, choose low-toxicity agents as much as possible, and when spraying, be sure to spray evenly to avoid misses.

The above is an introduction to the control methods for mango scale insects. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.