The Mango Shoot Borer, Chlumetia transversa, belonging to the Family Noctuidae of the Order Lepidoptera, is a well-known moth species. This pest is native to India and South-East Asia. The larvae of this pest feed on young shoots and leaves of mango plants, causing significant damage. The damage can range from defoliation to complete removal of the terminal shoot, leading to stunted growth and reduced crop yields.
The adult moths lay eggs on the terminal shoots of the mango tree, and the larvae then tunnel into the shoot, feeding on the tissues and causing the shoot to die. To effectively manage this pest, it is important to understand its life cycle, its preferred habitats, and the best methods for controlling it. This article will provide an overview and discussion of the Mango Shoot Borer Pest in Mango crops, including its symptoms, identification techniques, and control.
Shoot Borer Pest Management in Mango
Life Cycle of Mango Shoot Borer Pest in Mango Crop
The life cycle of the mango shoot borer pest has four stages. They are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first stage of the life cycle is the egg stage. The female Chlumetia transversa lays its eggs on the underside of mango leaves. The eggs hatch within 5-7 days, producing small larvae. The second stage is the larval stage. The larvae feed on the mango tree’s leaves, stems, and fruit. The larvae can feed on the mango fruit by boring into the fruit and destroying the flesh. After several weeks, the larvae pupate.
The third stage is the pupal stage. During this stage, the pupae undergo metamorphosis into adults. The pupae remain in the cocoon for approximately 10-14 days. The fourth and final stage is the adult stage. The adult moths are most active at night and feed on the nectar of flowers and other food sources. The adults mate and lay their eggs on the underside of mango leaves. This cycle then repeats itself, thus completing the life cycle of the Mango Shoot Borer Pest.
Occurrence of Mango Shoot Borer Pest in Mango Crop
- Location of Mango Shoot Borer pest: This pest infests mango crops in India, Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
- Host range: The mango shoot borer pest infects crops like mango, guava, papaya, citrus, avocado, cashew, litchi, peach, plum, almond, walnut, sapota, and banana.
Factors Favoring the Population Increase of Mango Shoot Borer Pest in Mango Crop
- The climates with high temperatures and moderate to high rainfall favor the pests to thrive in.
- The pest also prefers areas with abundant flowering plants, as these provide it with a steady source of food.
- Improper management and sanitation practices will cause the pest population to grow.
- The presence of alternate hosts, such as papaya, avocado, walnut, etc., will increase the pest populations.
Identification of Mango Shoot Borer Pest in Mango Crop
- Eggs: