The Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid, Apsylla cistellata, belonging to the Family Psyllidae of the Order Homoptera, is a small, black, sap-sucking insect that feeds on the leaves and shoots of mango trees. This pest is native to India, Australia, and South-East Asia. It causes damage by forming galls on mango tree leaves, shoots, and fruit, reducing yield and quality, and making the fruits unmarketable.
It can also contribute to the spreading of various diseases, such as Mango Leaf Curl, Mango Dieback, and Mango Bacterial Canker. 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 Gall Psyllid Pest in Mango crops, including its symptoms, identification techniques, and control.
Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest Management in Mango
Life Cycle of Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest in Mango Crop
The life cycle of the mango shoot gall psyllid pest has five stages. They are egg, nymph, pupa, adult, and overwintering. The egg stage of the Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest is laid in the grooves and crevices of the mango tree bark or on the surface of leaves. They hatch within two to four weeks. The nymph stage of the Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest is the juvenile stage, where they feed on the mango tree leaves. They feed on the underside of mango tree leaves and cause distorted growth of shoots and leaves.
They also secrete a sticky substance that causes the leaves to curl and form galls. The nymphs molt several times and eventually become adults. The pupal stage of the Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest is the transitional stage between the nymph and the adult. The pupae are found within the curled leaves or in the crevices of the mango tree bark. The pupae emerge as adults within two to three weeks. The adult stage of the Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest is the reproductive stage.
They feed on the underside of the mango tree leaves and secrete a sticky substance that causes the leaves to curl and form galls. The adults mate and lay eggs which hatch within two to four weeks. The overwintering stage of the Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest is where the adults survive the winter by hibernating in crevices of the mango tree bark or migrating to warmer climates. The adults emerge in spring to lay eggs and start the cycle again.
Occurrence of Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid Pest in Mango Crop
- Location of Mango Shoot Gall Psyllid pest: This pest infests mango crops in India, Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
- Host range: The mango shoot gall psyllid pest infects crops like mango, citrus, oranges, lemons, pineapple, papaya, guava, banana, grapes, and avocado.